Chiranjeevi 61st Birthday 

There is noise everywhere as his hardcore fans and followers celebrate his birthday a day before he was actually born. Konidela Siva Sankara Prasad, who is called by his stage name – Chiranjeevi, will turn 61 on Monday. A godfather to many young heroes and mega family, Chiranjeevi has certainly earned a niche for himself in film industry with his 37 years of illustrious filmy career.

Coming from a modest middle-class family in West Godavari district, Chiranjeevi had found his passion in acting and happened to join in Madras Film Institute in 1976. Subsequently, he made his debut in ‘Punadhirallu’ as an actor in 1978. However, ‘Pranam Kareedu’ was the first film got released before Punadhirallu.

He won the first filmfare award in the best actor category for the movie ‘Subhalekha’ which was released in 1982. And the movie – ‘Intlo Ramayya Veedilo Krishnayya’ also among the early hit movies.

The 1983 movie – ‘Khaidi’, which was loosely based on Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone’s ‘First Blood’, brought box office success and stardom to Chiranjeevi. Playing a cobler in ‘Swayamkrishi’, Chiru went on to receive Nandi award in 1987. And later, Chiranjeevi has no looking as ‘Rudraveena’ released in 1988 won three national film awards including best film on national integration.

And then came ‘Kondaveeti Donga’, a thriller movie which was directed by Kodandarami Reddy, went on to collect a distributors share of Rs. 7.4 million on the opening weekend. In the subsequent year, ‘Gang Leader’ has set new records at the box office and was also remade in Hindi as ‘Aaj Ka Goonda Raj’ with Meenakshi Sheshadri as female role.

Accolades had poured in for Chiranjeevi for Hindi movies – Pratibandh (1990) and The Gentleman (1993). ‘Gharana Mogudu’ in 1992 had raked in Rs 10 crore at the box office. This very year, Chiranjeevi had become the highest paid actor overtaking Amitab  Bachchan when he was paid Rs 1.25 crore for ‘AapadBandhavudu’.

After reeling under success drought during mid 1990s, Chiranjeevi bounced back with ‘Hitler’ and ‘Choodalani Undi’ which grossed Rs 16 crore at the box office.

After a descent success, the Megastar tasted success with ‘Tagore’ in which he donned professor and forms a group with his students with an intention to end corruption in the society. This movie has got overwhelming response from the audience in 2003. The movie has proved to be a blockbuster hit.

As he turns 61 years on Monday, teaser and first-look of his 150th movie are scheduled to be released in a splendid way. There is speculation that Chiranjeevi is trying to make a comeback in his cinema career with his 150th movie since his interest in politics is gradually weaning off.

Telugu360.com is wishing Megastar Chiranjeevi A HAPPY BIRTHDAY !