Chiranjeevi Age, Wiki, Family, Career, Awards, Net Worth

Chiranjeevi is the legendary Indian actor, philanthropist, and former politician who was born on August 22, 1955 (71 years old) in Mogalthur, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India.

He has worked mainly in Telugu cinema and is popularly known by the title Mega Star. Over the years, he became widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential actors in the history of Indian cinema.

One of his best-known films is the 2002 blockbuster Indra, for which he won both the Nandi Award and the Filmfare Award for Best Actor, Telugu.

He has also received the Padma Bhushan in 2006 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2024 from the Government of India.

Quick Facts of Chiranjeevi

Full Name	Konidela Siva Sankara Vara Prasad
Profession	Actor, Politician, Television Host
Age	71 years old
Date of Birth	August 22, 1955
Nationality	Indian
Zodiac/Sun Sign	Leo
Birthplace	Mogalthur, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India
Current Address	Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Gender	Male

Chiranjeevi Early Life and Education

Chiranjeevi was born as Konidela Siva Sankara Vara Prasad in Mogalthur, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, in a Telugu family.

His father worked as a police constable and was transferred from place to place on a regular basis. Because of this, Chiranjeevi spent much of his childhood in his native village with his grandparents.

He was an NCC cadet in his youth and took part in the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi in the early 1970s. He was drawn to acting from a young age, which later pushed him toward the film industry.

Education

He completed his Intermediate at C. S. R. Sarma College in Ongole and then graduated with a degree in commerce from Sri Y N College at Narsapuram.

After finishing college, he moved to Chennai and joined the Madras Film Institute in 1976 to train for an acting career.

School	C. S. R. Sarma College, Ongole, Andhra Pradesh (Intermediate)
Alma Mater	Sri Y N College, Narsapuram, Andhra Pradesh
Highest Qualification	Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.)

Chiranjeevi Personal Life

Chiranjeevi is married to Surekha Konidela. The couple has been together for more than four decades and remains one of the most respected families in Telugu cinema.

About Surekha (Wife)

Surekha is the daughter of legendary Telugu comic actor Allu Ramalingaiah. Her brother, Allu Aravind, is one of the most successful film producers in Tollywood and runs the Geetha Arts banner.

How They Met and About Their Relationship

The two families were already connected through Telugu cinema, and the marriage linked the Konidela and Allu families into one of the most influential film families in the industry. Together, they built what is popularly called the Allu Konidela legacy.

Marriage

Chiranjeevi married Surekha on 20 February 1980. The wedding took place years before he became a household name across the Telugu states.

Children

Chiranjeevi has three children.

Sons

Ram Charan is the only son of Chiranjeevi and Surekha. He is a leading Telugu actor, famous for Magadheera and RRR, and gained international fame after RRR.

Daughters

Sushmita Konidela is the eldest daughter, and she works as a Telugu film producer and costume designer. Sreeja Konidela is the younger daughter, and she has also been part of Tollywood.

Parents

Father

His father, Konidela Venkata Rao, worked as a police constable. Because of frequent transfers, Chiranjeevi did his schooling in many towns such as Nidadavolu, Gurazala, Bapatla, Ponnur, Mangalagiri, and Mogalthur.

Mother

His mother, Anjana Devi, suggested the screen name Chiranjeevi, which means immortal, because the family worshipped Lord Hanuman. He remains a devoted follower of Lord Hanuman to this day.

Siblings

Chiranjeevi has two brothers and two sisters.

• Brother (Nagendra Babu): His brother Nagendra Babu is a film producer and actor en.wikipedia.org. He has supported the Konidela family productions over the years.
• Brother (Pawan Kalyan): His younger brother Pawan Kalyan is a popular actor and politician. He founded the Jana Sena Party and currently serves as the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
• Sisters: His sisters are Vijaya Durga and Madhavi. There is limited public information about their professional lives.

Relationship Status	Married
Wife	Surekha
Children	Son: Ram Charan Daughter: Sushmita Konidela and Sreeja Konidela
Parents	Father: Konidela Venkata Rao Mother: Anjana Devi
Siblings	Brother: Nagendra Babu and Pawan Kalyan Sister: Vijaya Durga and Madhavi

Chiranjeevi Career

Chiranjeevi began his film journey in 1978 and rose to become the biggest star of Telugu cinema over a career spanning more than 45 years.

He has acted in more than 150 feature films across Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, and Kannada languages, and is celebrated as one of the finest dancers Indian cinema has produced.

1978 to 1981: Early Career

Chiranjeevi started his film career with Punadhirallu (1979), while Pranam Khareedu (1978) became his first released film, in which he played the role of Narasimha. Mana Voori Pandavulu (1978), directed by Bapu, gave him early recognition among Telugu audiences.

He also appeared in films like Tayaramma Bangarayya (1979) and K. Balachander’s Idi Katha Kaadu (1979) with Kamal Haasan, where he portrayed the same character Rajinikanth played in the original Tamil film Avargal.

In 1979, he had eight major film releases, followed by fourteen films in 1980. In 1981, he stepped into Tamil cinema with 47 Natkal and its Telugu version, 47 Rojulu, along with Ranuva Veeran.

1982 to 1986: Breakthrough with Leading Roles

Chiranjeevi moved into lead roles with Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya (1982), directed by Kodi Ramakrishna, which became a box office hit.

In the same year, K. Viswanath’s Subhalekha, a film dealing with the social evil of the dowry system. His real stardom arrived with the action film Khaidi (1983), which became the highest-grossing Telugu film at the time and turned him into a leading star.

Through 1984 and 1985, he delivered a series of box office hits including Challenge (1984), Hero (1984), Donga (1985), and Vijetha (1985).

1987 to 2007: Commercial Success

This was the golden period of his career and turned him into the undisputed number one star of Telugu cinema. Swayamkrushi (1987) won him his first Nandi Award for Best Actor and premiered at the Moscow International Film Festival. He co-produced Rudraveena (1988).

Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990) with Sridevi, Gang Leader (1991), and Gharana Mogudu (1992) made him the Boss of Telugu cinema.

Gharana Mogudu became the first South Indian film to collect over ₹10 crore in distributor share, and magazines began calling him Bigger than Bachchan and the new money machine.

For Aapadbandhavudu (1992), he was paid ₹1.25 crore, the highest for any Indian actor at the time. After a brief dip in the mid-1990s, he bounced back with Hitler (1997), Master (1997), Choodalani Vundi (1998), and Sneham Kosam (1999), in which he played a dual role.

His 2002 film Indra broke all his previous box office records. Tagore (2003) and Shankar Dada M.B.B.S. (2004) continued the run, with Tagore becoming one of the biggest grossers of his career.

2008 to 2016: Political Career and Film Hiatus

In August 2008, Chiranjeevi founded the Praja Rajyam Party in Tirupati with social justice as its main agenda. The party won 18 seats and over 16% vote share in the 2009 Andhra Pradesh elections. He merged the party with the Indian National Congress in February 2011 and was sworn in as a Rajya Sabha MP on 3 April 2012.

He served as the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism from October 2012 to May 2014. During this period, he promoted the Incredible India campaign and represented Indian cinema on global platforms, including inaugurating the Incredible India Exhibition at the 66th Cannes Film Festival in 2013.

He also appeared in films only through cameo roles, such as in Magadheera (2009), Jagadguru Adi Shankara (2013), and Bruce Lee: The Fighter (2015).

2017 to Present: Comeback and Continued Success

Chiranjeevi returned to cinema after almost a decade with Khaidi No. 150 (2017), his 150th film, which was the highest-grossing Telugu film of that year. His first period film, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019), based on freedom fighter Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy, grossed over ₹240 crore.

In 2022, he starred in Acharya, alongside his son Ram Charan, and Godfather, which was largely successful. He delivered a huge Sankranti hit with Waltair Veerayya (2023), co-starring Ravi Teja, though Bhola Shankar (2023) failed at the box office.

His film Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu (2026) earned over ₹300 crore globally on a budget of ₹28 crore, making it one of the most profitable Telugu films of recent times.

He also made his television debut as the host of Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu Season 4 in 2017 on Star Maa. He is also one of the co-owners of the Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters FC.

Chiranjeevi Other Works

Beyond acting, Chiranjeevi has contributed to cinema as a producer, playback singer, narrator, and voice artist.

Production and Dubbing

Chiranjeevi co-produced Rudraveena (1988) and also produced his son Ram Charan’s debut film Chirutha (2007). As a playback singer, he sang for his own films, including Master (1997) and Mrugaraju (2001).

He has also lent his voice to several films. He was the narrator for Varudu (2010) and Rudhramadevi (2015), and he dubbed for the character Sri Anjaneyulu in the Telugu version of Hanuman (2006).

In 2022, he gave the voiceover for the Telugu versions of Brahmastra: Part One Shiva and Ponniyin Selvan: I, and in 2023 he voiced the Telugu versions of Ponniyin Selvan: II and Ranga Maarthaanda.

Television

Chiranjeevi made his television debut in 2017 as the host of the game show Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu Season 4 on Star Maa.

The show had earlier been hosted by Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Akkineni Nagarjuna, which made Chiranjeevi’s taking over a major news item in Telugu entertainment. He hosted around 30 episodes of the show.

Philanthropic Works

Chiranjeevi founded the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust in 1998, which runs the largest blood bank and eye bank in the state. The trust has restored eyesight to over 9,000 people through cornea transplants and provides blood free of cost to the poor.

In 2002, he received the Samman Award from the Government of India as the highest income tax payer in the profession category for the assessment year 1999 2000.

When the pandemic struck, he set up oxygen banks and ambulances across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in 2021, supporting hospitals at the peak of the crisis.

Chiranjeevi Brand Endorsements and Business Ventures

Chiranjeevi has been a favourite of advertisers for decades, thanks to his massive fan following across the Telugu states.

Brand Endorsements

The most famous chapter of his endorsement career came in the early 2000s cola wars.

In 2001, his younger brother Pawan Kalyan became the first South Indian brand ambassador for Pepsi, and Chiranjeevi signed up with rival Coca-Cola, turning the sibling rivalry into a marketing battle that made headlines across South India.

He has also appeared in campaigns for other brands over the years, though a complete verified list of his endorsements is yet to be updated.

Business Ventures

Chiranjeevi’s business interests extend beyond films. He is one of the co-owners of the Indian Super League football club Kerala Blasters FC. On the film side, he has produced projects under his family production ventures, including his son Ram Charan’s debut film Chirutha (2007).

In 2002, the Government of India honoured him with the Samman Award for being the highest income tax payer in his profession for the assessment year 1999 2000, a rare distinction for an Indian actor.

Chiranjeevi Awards and Achievements

Key Wins

• 1980: Best Actor (Cine Herald Award) — for Punnami Nagu.
• 1981: Best Actor (Cine Herald Award) — for Oorikichina Mata.
• 1982: Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Telugu) — for Subhalekha.
• 1982: Best Actor (Vamsi Berkeley Award & Sitara Award) — for Subhalekha.
• 1983: Best Actor (Kala Sagar Chennai & Rotary Club) — for Maga Maharaju.
• 1984: Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Telugu) — for Inti Guttu.
• 1985: Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Telugu) — for Vijetha.
• 1987: Nandi Award for Best Actor — for Swayam Krushi.
• 1987: Cinema Express Award for Best Actor — for Swayam Krushi.
• 1988: National Film Award (Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration) — for Rudra Veena (Producer/Star).
• 1992: Nandi Award for Best Actor — for Aapathbandavudu.
• 1992: Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Telugu) — for Aapathbandavudu.
• 1993: Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Telugu) — for Muta Mestri.
• 1999: Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Telugu) — for Sneham Kosam.
• 2002: Nandi Award for Best Actor — for Indra.
• 2002: Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Telugu) — for Indra.
• 2002: CineMAA Award for Best Actor — for Indra.
• 2004: Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Telugu) — for Shankar Dada M.B.B.S.
• 2006: Padma Bhushan — Conferred by the Government of India for contributions to Cinema & Philanthropy.
• 2006: Honorary Doctorate (Kalaprapoorna D.Litt.) — Awarded by Andhra University.
• 2007: Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South — For career contributions to Indian cinema.
• 2016: Raghupathi Venkaiah Award — Andhra Pradesh State Government’s highest lifetime honour for cinema.
• 2019: Zee Cine Awards Telugu (Best Actor) — for Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy.
• 2022: Indian Film Personality of the Year — Awarded at the 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
• 2024: Padma Vibhushan — Conferred by the Government of India, the nation’s second-highest civilian honour.
• 2024: Guinness World Record — Officially recognized as the most prolific actor-dancer in the Indian film industry.

Key Nominations

• 1981: Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Telugu) — for Nyayam Kavali
• 1983: Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Telugu) — for Khaidi
• 1990: Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Telugu) — for Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari
• 1991: Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Telugu) — for Gang Leader
• 1992: Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Telugu) — for Gharana Mogudu
• 2003: Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Telugu) — for Tagore
• 2006: Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Telugu) — for Stalin
• 2017: Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Telugu) — for Khaidi No. 150
• 2017: SIIMA Award for Best Actor (Telugu) — for Khaidi No. 150
• 2019: Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Telugu) — for Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy
• 2023: Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Telugu) — for Waltair Veerayya

Chiranjeevi Controversy

Chiranjeevi has kept a largely clean public image across five decades in cinema and politics. However, a few incidents have brought him into the news over the years.

• Sexist Remark on Ram Charan at Brahma Anandam Event (2025): At a promotional event for the film Brahma Anandam in February 2025, Chiranjeevi said he hoped his son Ram Charan would be blessed with a son to carry forward the family legacy, a remark seen as a slight to his granddaughter. The comments were widely criticised on social media as sexist, and the issue sparked a national debate on gender bias and the preference for male heirs in Indian families.
• Blood Bank Fraud Allegations by Rajasekhar and Jeevitha (2010): In 2010, actor couple Rajasekhar and Jeevitha accused the Chiranjeevi Blood Bank of misusing funds and collecting money in the name of donations. A government-appointed committee later examined the trust and cleared it of any financial wrongdoing. The case took another turn in 2023, when a Nampally court sentenced Rajasekhar and Jeevitha to one year in jail for the defamatory remarks they made against Chiranjeevi.
• Poisoning Incident During Marana Mrudangam Shoot (1988): During the shooting of Marana Mrudangam in 1988, Chiranjeevi was poisoned by a person who wanted to get close to him, an incident that shocked the film unit at the time. Chiranjeevi himself recalled the episode in 2023, saying he chose to treat it lightly as an act of misguided admiration from a fan rather than hold on to it.

Chiranjeevi Net Worth & Salary

Telugu cinema megastar Chiranjeevi has an estimated net worth of approximately ₹1,650-₹1,700 crore ($190-$205 million). His wealth has been built over a career spanning more than four decades and more than 150 films.

He was famously the first Indian actor to command a paycheck of over ₹1 crore, earning ₹1.25 crore for Aapathbandavudu in 1992.

Today, he charges over ₹60-₹100 crore ($7-$11.5 million) per film, depending on the project.

Key Wealth Sources and Assets

• Real Estate and Properties: Major investments in prime real estate, including his luxury 25,000-square-foot mansion in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.
• Luxury Assets: He owns a private jet along with a luxury car collection featuring models like a Rolls-Royce Phantom and a Range Rover Autobiography.
• Business and Endorsements: Income from production ventures, brand endorsements, and various private investments.

Net Worth (Approx.)	₹1,650-₹1,700 crore ($190-$205 million)
Salary (Approx.)	₹60-₹100 crore ($7-$11.5 million) per film

Chiranjeevi Height, Weight, and Physical Stats

The following are the physical appearances of Chiranjeevi:

Height	In centimetres: 175 cm In meters: 1.75 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 9 inches
Weight	In kg: 80 kg In lbs: 176 lbs
Body Measurements	42-34-13 inches
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Brown

Chiranjeevi Social Media

Instagram	@chiranjeevikonidela
X	@KChiruTweets
Threads	@chiranjeevikonidela

Interesting Facts About Chiranjeevi

• His screen name Chiranjeevi means immortal and was suggested by his mother because the family worships Lord Hanuman.
• He was the first actor from South India to be invited to the Oscars ceremony in 1987.
• He founded the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust in 1998, which runs the largest blood and eye banks in the Telugu states.
• His trust has restored eyesight to over 9,000 people through cornea transplants and provides blood free to the poor.
• He is one of the co-owners of Kerala Blasters FC football club.
• He has sung songs in films like Mrugaraju and lent his voice to Telugu versions of Brahmastra and Ponniyin Selvan.
• He is an ardent devotee of Lord Hanuman and his favourite actor is Sean Connery.

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