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55-402: [REDACTED] The Praja Rajyam Party ( transl. People's Rule Party ) was a political party in India. The first public meeting of the party was held by Chiranjeevi on 26 August 2008, at Tirupati , Andhra Pradesh . Praja Rajyam means people's rule in Telugu . He addressed a gathering of about a million people and announced the party name and its agenda. The party flag, which has
110-420: A socio-fantasy directed by K. Raghavendra Rao and produced by Aswini Dutt . Other experimental works at this time include works such as Kondaveeti Donga (1990), the first Telugu film to be released on a 70mm 6-Track stereophonic sound , the western genre Kodama Simham (1990) and the social problem action film Gang Leader (1991), which were box-office hits and led to Chiranjeevi being regarded as
165-672: A career dip for Chiranjeevi with box office duds such as S. P. Parasuram , The Gentleman , Big Boss and Rikshavodu . There were exceptions, such as Muta Mestri , which fetched him a fourth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu; Mugguru Monagallu and Alluda Majaka were also successful. In 1996, he appeared in a guest role in the Kannada film Sipayi . After a brief lull, Chiranjeevi bounced back with Hitler , Master , Bavagaru Bagunnara? , Choodalani Vundi and Sneham Kosam , for which he received his fifth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. In 1999, Chiranjeevi
220-410: A decade following Shankar Dada Zindabad , to positive reviews. Critics have singled out Chiranjeevi in particular, praising him for both his performance and appearance, especially following a decade of absence from cinema. The movie collected ₹ 41.75 crore on its opening day and grossed ₹ 164 crore in its lifetime. In 2019, he starred in his first period film Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy based on
275-1024: A social cause, including Tagore ; Shankar Dada M.B.B.S. , for which he won his seventh and latest Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu; and Stalin . He was awarded the Filmfare Special Award – South in 2006 and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South at the 58th Filmfare Awards South in 2011 for his contributions to the film industry. Following his last film in the lead role, 2007's Shankar Dada Zindabad , Chiranjeevi did not star in any film for approximately 10 years, during which he embarked on his political career. During these 10 years, his appearances in films were limited to cameo roles. He appeared as himself in two films, starring his son Ram Charan , namely Magadheera (2009) and Bruce Lee: The Fighter (2015). He also narrated Varudu (2010) and Rudhramadevi (2015). From 2013 onwards, he
330-432: A symbol and instead applied for a rising sun symbol. The green colour is an "acknowledgement to the farmers", red symbolises "change and revolution", the yellow border around the sun symbolises "happiness in every home", white symbolises "clean governance and transparency", and the sun in the middle emphasises the need for change and revolution. The Nava Telangana Praja Party headed by former minister Tulla Devender Goud
385-448: Is a film producer. Chiranjeevi is the uncle to actors Allu Arjun , Varun Tej , Niharika , Sai Dharam Tej , and Panja Vaisshnav Tej . Since his family worshipped Anjaneya ( Hanuman ), a Hindu deity, his mother advised him to take the screen name " Chiranjeevi ", meaning "Immortal", a reference to the belief of Hanuman living forever. Chiranjeevi started his film career with Punadhirallu (1979). However, his first released film
440-475: Is currently co-owned by Network18 Group and Warner Bros. Discovery . CNN provides international coverage for the channel, while Indian Broadcasting Network concentrates on Indian and local reports. In May 2014, Reliance Industries announced it would be taking over Network18 Group . The move was touted as "the biggest-ever deal in the Indian media space". Reliance Industries already had indirect control of
495-700: Is currently not active in politics, he was issued with a new All India Congress Committee identity card in 2022 leading to the speculation of his political comeback. Chiranjeevi established the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust (CCT) on 2 October 1998, with the motto that no one should lose their life due to a lack of blood. The trust includes a blood bank and an eye bank and is the largest recipient of blood and eye donations in Andhra Pradesh. As of September 2022, CCT has collected over 930,000 units of blood, with 70% of it provided to
550-605: Is one of the co-owners of the Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters FC . Chiranjeevi made his debut as a Television host with the fourth season of Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu . The first episode of the fourth season was aired on 13 February 2017 on Star Maa . The game show is a Telugu-language adaptation of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? . In August 2008, Chiranjeevi launched his political party , Praja Rajyam Party , in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh . At
605-532: The 14th IIFA Awards ceremony held in Macau that same year. After the split of the state of Andhra Pradesh leaving the residuary state with huge debt and little revenue in June 2014, most members of the Andhra Pradesh wing of Congress party left in protest. Chiranjeevi, however, remained with Congress and campaigned for it as chairman of Election Campaign Committee for 2014 parliamentary and assembly elections in
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#1732801440230660-702: The Cable News Network (CNN) brand name. Currently, Time Warner's India-specific CNN-News18 is watched by more people than its CNN International sister network, although both channels are in English. According to Network 18, since its inception, the channel has been reaching out to an average of 45 million households every day. In 2015, it was announced that a licensing agreement between Turner Broadcasting and Network 18 had not been renewed and would expire in January 2016. On 1 December 2015, it
715-601: The Indian National Congress after two weeks of talks with Congress President Sonia Gandhi . The merger was influenced by the Congress party's concerns over a no-confidence motion in the Andhra Pradesh state assembly, spurred by the rise of Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy 's YSR Congress Party and the ongoing Telangana agitation . On 29 March 2012, Chiranjeevi was nominated to the Rajya Sabha , where he
770-492: The Indian National Congress in 2011. Chiranjeevi served as a Rajya Sabha MP from 2012 to 2018 and was appointed Minister of Tourism in the central cabinet of India in October 2012, holding the position until May 2014. After a hiatus from cinema, he returned with the blockbuster hit Khaidi No. 150 (2017), followed by successful films such as Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019) and Waltair Veerayya (2023). Chiranjeevi
825-525: The Indian National Congress party after a meeting with Congress chief Sonia Gandhi . The merger was proposed by A.K. Antony , Minister of Defence . He stated that he had originally been compelled to create the PRP on a platform of fighting corruption and ensuring social justice but that Congress now had a good record of fighting corruption elsewhere. It was asserted by political observers that Chiranjeevi's move may have been prompted by his loss of support in
880-886: The Padma Bhushan in 2006 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2024 from the Government of India , as well as the IFFI Indian Film Personality of the Year Award in 2022. His other accolades include the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award , three Nandi Awards , and nine Filmfare Awards South , including the Lifetime Achievement Award . In 2013, CNN-IBN recognized him as one of "the men who changed the face of
935-500: The " Mega Star ", he is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential actors in the history of Indian cinema . Chiranjeevi holds the record for the most "Industry Hits" in Telugu cinema, with eight films emerging as the top-grossers of their time—a feat unmatched by any actor in the industry's 100-year history. He is also celebrated as one of the finest dancers in Indian cinema. He has received numerous honours, including
990-672: The "boss of Telugu cinema". The 1992 film Gharana Mogudu was the first South Indian and Telugu film to collect over ₹ 10 crore in distributor share at the box office. The film was screened at the 1993 International Film Festival of India in the mainstream section. Chiranjeevi's Bollywood performances were appreciated in Pratibandh and Aaj Ka Goonda Raaj . For his role in Aapadbandhavudu (1992), he received his second Nandi Award for Best Actor and third Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu . The mid-1990s saw
1045-515: The 2000 film Annayya . The film met huge commercial success. Waltair Veerayya later released on Netflix for streaming. In the same year, he also appeared in Bhola Shankar , a remake of the 2015 Tamil blockbuster, Vedalam . However, it opened to unanimously negative reviews and was a huge disaster at the box-office. He announced his next film, Vishwambhara (2025), with Mallidi Vassishta of Bimbisara (2022) fame. Chiranjeevi
1100-560: The Andhra Pradesh state government formed a high-level committee to investigate the claims. The committee, guided by the project director of the AP State AIDS Control Society and composed of experts from finance and technical fields, thoroughly examined records related to blood collection and disposal, blood grouping, screening, sterilization, medical waste management, conducted camps, blood expiry, quality control, storage facilities, and equipment purchases. Following
1155-635: The Chiranjeevi Charitable Foundation (CCF) at Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad. Chiranjeevi has supported the trust's activities through his earnings, including those from television commercials and promotions. After Chiranjeevi's entry into politics, actor couple Rajasekhar and Jeevitha made allegations against the Chiranjeevi Blood Bank, accusing it of engaging in financial irregularities. In response,
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#17328014402301210-484: The Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust, which operates the largest blood and eye banks in the Telugu states . The trust has restored eyesight to over 9,000 individuals through cornea transplants and provides 70% of collected blood free to the poor. It has received several accolades, including the "Best Voluntary Blood Bank Award" from the Government of Andhra Pradesh for five consecutive years from 2002 to 2006. In 2002, he
1265-593: The Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust. He is a nine-time winner of Filmfare Awards South and a three-time winner of Nandi Awards . He was the first actor from South India to be invited to the Oscars ceremony in 1987. In 2013, CNN-IBN recognized him as one of "the men who changed the face of the Indian Cinema". In 2014, he was awarded International Face of Indian Cinema at the 3rd South Indian International Movie Awards by Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor . In 2024, he
1320-506: The Commonwealth Games Organising Committee followed an arbitrary approach. Proposals were considered in an ad hoc manner, as and when a proposal was received; no form of competitive tendering was adopted. The CAG further said in its report that, "We had no assurance about the competitiveness of the rates quoted by these channels and the need and usefulness of these proposals. From March 2010 to June 2010,
1375-430: The Indian Cinema". In 2024, he was honoured with a Guinness World Record as the most prolific actor-dancer in the Indian film industry. Chiranjeevi made his acting debut in 1978, initially gaining recognition for his supporting, anti-hero , and antagonist roles. He later transitioned to lead roles with notable success. His breakthrough came with the 1983 film Khaidi , which became the highest-grossing Telugu film at
1430-603: The TV18 network by virtue of investments it made in Network18 starting from January 2012. CNN International only reached the urban population in India. To reach the Indian masses Turner Broadcasting System together with an Indian company, Global Broadcast News (currently TV18 Broadcast Limited ), launched the channel in India as CNN-IBN on 18 December 2005. The channel was completely run by TV18 Broadcast Limited, which only used
1485-611: The box office. He co-produced and acted in Rudraveena (1988), which won the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration , and the Nandi Special Jury Award . The title "Megastar" appeared for the first time in the title cards of the 1988 release Marana Mrudangam , marking its association with Chiranjeevi. He then experimented with Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990),
1540-463: The character played by Rajinikanth in the original. In 1979, Chiranjeevi had eight major film releases and then 14 films in the following year. In 1981, he played lead antagonist in works such as Mosagadu , Rani Kasula Rangamma , 47 Natkal / 47 Rojulu , Nyayam Kavali and Ranuva Veeran . Chiranjeevi began to appear in leading roles with films such as Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya (1982), directed by Kodi Ramakrishna , which
1595-456: The color white, made up 3/4 of the height at the top, and the bottom 1/4 filled with green, was unveiled at the meeting. In the middle of the flag, a red-coloured sun symbol was encircled with a yellow line. In the 2009 elections, the party contested using a train as its symbol for both the Lok Sabha and Andhra Pradesh assembly election . After the election, he decided against using a train as
1650-420: The daughter of Telugu comic actor Allu Ramalingaiah . They have two daughters, Sushmitha and Sreeja, and a son, Ram Charan , also an actor in Telugu cinema . Chiranjeevi has two brothers, Nagendra Babu , a film producer and actor, and Pawan Kalyan , an actor-politician who is Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and founder of Jana Sena , a regional political party. Allu Aravind , his brother-in-law,
1705-451: The entire pre-games publicity and sponsorship publicity was done only on NDTV & CNN-IBN." A controversy about some fake Twitter comments that ran on the screen during a news show raised questions about the reliability of instant feedback from viewers, which was criticised. The officials later apologised, saying that the source of viewer comments was wrongly stated as Twitter. In November 2012, on its prime time show Face The Nation ,
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1760-610: The investigation, the blood bank was cleared of any wrongdoing. Authorities confirmed that the blood bank operates in full compliance with the guidelines set by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO). In 2023, a Nampally court sentenced Rajasekhar and Jeevitha to one year in jail and imposed a fine of ₹5 lakh for their defamatory remarks against the blood bank. The couple, however, obtained bail. In May 2021, Chiranjeevi set up oxygen banks and ambulances across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to meet
1815-650: The launch, he stated that social justice was the main agenda of his party. In the 2009 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections , the party won 18 of the 294 seats and secured a vote share of over 16%. He contested from Tirupati and Palakollu constituencies winning in Tirupati but losing out in Palakollu, in West Godavari district. On 6 February 2011, the Praja Rajyam Party merged with
1870-424: The life of Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy ; it was directed by Surender Reddy . The movie made on a budget more than ₹ 200–270 crore, grossed more than ₹ 240 crore (equivalent to ₹ 337 crore or US$ 40 million in 2023) in its theatrical run. Chiranjeevi had two releases in 2022. His first film was Acharya directed by Koratala Siva co-starring Chiranjeevi's son Ram Charan . His second release
1925-434: The needs of patients affected by COVID-19 . Director K. Balachander said, "Chiranjeevi has both Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth in him. Not only can he do action, he can also act." Chiranjeevi received the Padma Bhushan , the third highest civilian honour in India in the year 2006. In the same year, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Andhra University for his contribution to films and his social service through
1980-527: The poor free of charge. It has restored eyesight to over 9,060 individuals through 4,580 cornea transplants, and more than 350,000 people have pledged their eyes to CCT. The trust has received several accolades, including the "Best Voluntary Blood Bank Award" from the Andhra Pradesh State Government for five consecutive years from 2002 to 2006. On 10 June 2006, the then President of India , A. P. J. Abdul Kalam , inaugurated
2035-479: The residual state of Andhra Pradesh . However, he refrained from contesting in elections. There was also speculation that he did not campaign wholeheartedly due to the one-sided decision taken to split Andhra Pradesh. His younger brother, Pawan Kalyan , a former Praja Rajyam Party youth wing leader, launched his own political party, Jana Sena Party , and campaigned vigorously against Congress and in favour of Telugu Desam Party and Bharatiya Janata Party . Due to
2090-451: The strong anti-Congress sentiment prevailing in Andhra Pradesh, its candidates were defeated in all parliamentary and state assembly seats of Andhra Pradesh. Since the 2014 elections, he has stayed away from active politics and since then, has not attended any meetings of the Congress party, on a regional or national level. His tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended in April 2018. Although he
2145-408: The time and established him as a leading actor in the industry. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Chiranjeevi starred in various "Industry Hits"—highest-grossers of all time—like Pasivadi Pranam (1987), Yamudiki Mogudu (1988), Attaku Yamudu Ammayiki Mogudu (1989), Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990), Gang Leader (1991), and Gharana Mogudu (1992). Notably, Gharana Mogudu
2200-501: The wake of his own strong anti-Telangana stance in previous months. It was argued in the press that Chiranjeevi's move would particularly strengthen Congress's hand in retaining the Kapu vote, as the PRP had done particularly well among them. Chiranjeevi Konidela Chiranjeevi (born Konidela Sivasankara Varaprasad ; 22 August 1955) is an Indian actor, politician, and philanthropist known for his work in Telugu cinema . Known as
2255-470: Was GodFather directed by Mohan Raja . The film had Salman Khan in an extended cameo role and was largely successful. GodFather subsequently released on Netflix . Chiranjeevi then starred in the 2023 film Waltair Veerayya directed by Bobby Kolli which released during the Sankranti festival. The film also starred Ravi Teja in an important role, reuniting them on screen after 23 years since
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2310-529: Was Pranam Khareedu (1978). Mana Voori Pandavulu (1978), directed by Bapu , gave Chiranjeevi recognition from the Telugu audience. He played a small role in Tayaramma Bangarayya (1979). He played the anti-hero in films I Love You (1979) and K. Balachander 's Idi Katha Kaadu (1979), starring Kamal Haasan . In a remake of the Tamil film Avargal (1977), Chiranjeevi portrayed
2365-707: Was a box office success and Chiranjeevi attained stardom with this movie. In 1984, he continued doing action films. A series of box office hits at this time include; Mantri Gari Viyyankudu , Sangharshana , Goonda , Challenge , Hero , Donga , Jwala , Adavi Donga , Kondaveeti Raja , Rakshasudu . In 1985, he received his second Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu for his performance in Vijetha . Chiranjeevi received his first Nandi Award for Best Actor for Swayamkrushi (1987), directed by K. Viswanath. Pasivadi Pranam (1987), Yamudiki Mogudu (1988) and Manchi Donga (1988) also did well at
2420-709: Was a hit at the box office. Later, he starred in Subhalekha (1982), directed by K. Viswanath , which dealt with the social malady of the dowry system . It brought him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu and Viswanath's third Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu . In 1982, he also appeared in movies such as Idi Pellantara , Sitadevi , Tingu Rangadu , Bandhalu Anubandhalu and Mondi Ghatam . He acted in multi-star movies such as Patnam Vachina Pativrathalu and Billa Ranga , and later appeared in Manchu Pallaki . Khaidi (1983)
2475-709: Was an NCC cadet and had participated in the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi in the early 1970s. He was interested in acting from a young age. He did his Intermediate at C. S. R. Sarma College in Ongole . After graduating with a degree in commerce from Sri Y N College at Narsapuram , Chiranjeevi moved to Chennai and joined the Madras Film Institute in 1976 to pursue a career in acting. On 20 February 1980, Chiranjeevi married Surekha,
2530-568: Was announced the brand licensing had been renewed for another term. On 18 April 2016, at 7:57pm, it was rebranded as CNN-News18, and began using the slogan "On Your Side." On 5 August 2011 Comptroller and Auditor General of India 's report on 2010 Commonwealth Games was tabled in Parliament of India . In section 14.4.2 of the report, CAG alleged that while awarding contracts worth Rs 37.8 million for production & broadcasting of commercials for promoting CWG-2010 to CNN-IBN & NDTV,
2585-586: Was born as Konidela Sivasankara Varaprasad Rao on 22 August 1955 in a Telugu family to Konidela Venkata Rao and Anjana Devi in Mogalthur , West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh . His father Konidela Venkata Rao worked as a constable and was transferred on a regular basis. He spent his childhood in his native village with his grandparents. Chiranjeevi did his schooling in Nidadavolu , Gurazala , Bapatla , Ponnur , Mangalagiri and Mogalthur. He
2640-670: Was elected and took his oath as a member on 3 April. Later that year, on 28 October, he was sworn in as the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism . In 2013, Chiranjeevi inaugurated the Incredible India Exhibition, a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting , at the 66th Cannes Film Festival . He also represented Incredible India at
2695-494: Was honoured with a Guinness World Record as the most prolific actor-dancer in the Indian film industry for performing more than 24,000 dance moves in 537 songs in 156 films in a career spanning over 45 years. CNN-News18 CNN News18 (also known as Cable News Network News18 and originally CNN IBN ) is an Indian English-language news television channel founded by Raghav Bahl based in Noida , Uttar Pradesh , India. It
2750-602: Was honoured with the Samman Award by the Income Tax Department , for being the highest income tax payer in the profession category for the assessment year 1999–2000. In 2008, Chiranjeevi founded the Praja Rajyam Party and led it in the 2009 Andhra Pradesh elections , where it won 18 seats and secured over 16% of the vote, making it the third-largest party in the state. The party merged with
2805-858: Was merged with the Praja Rajyam Party. NTPP was a political entity campaigning for Telangana State formation, and had a strong base in the Telangana Region of Andhra Pradesh . Post-merger, Goud was made the Vice-President of Praja Rajyam Party. Chiranjeevi at one time expressed his support for the efforts to forge a "Fourth Front" at the national level. They won only 18 out of a possible 294 assembly seats. The party leader, Chiranjeevi contested in two assembly seats - Tirupathi and Palakollu (West Godavari District) - and won only in Tirupathi. It polled 18% votes. On 6 February 2011, PRP chief Chiranjeevi announced that his party would be merged with
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#17328014402302860-443: Was on the lookout for the right script to mark his comeback into cinema, in what would coincidentally happen to be his 150th film as an actor. A year following the release of the highly successful 2014 Tamil film Kaththi , Chiranjeevi chose to remake that film in Telugu as his comeback film. The remake, titled Khaidi No. 150 , directed by V. V. Vinayak , was released during the Sankranti holiday in 2017, about six months short of
2915-756: Was screened at the Moscow International Film Festival , while Rudraveena , which he co-produced, won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration . In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Chiranjeevi continued to dominate the box office with films like Master (1997), and Choodalani Vundi (1998). His 2002 film Indra was the highest-grossing Telugu film for many years, and socially impactful films like Tagore (2003) and Shankar Dada M.B.B.S. (2004) became major blockbusters, further cementing his legacy. On 2 October 1998, Chiranjeevi established
2970-759: Was the first South Indian film to earn over ₹ 10 crore in distributor share , prompting The Week magazine to label him "Bigger than Bachchan " and "the new money machine." For his role in Aapadbandhavudu (1992), Chiranjeevi was paid ₹ 1.25 crore, making him the highest-paid actor in India at the time and the first Indian actor to command a ₹ 1 crore remuneration for a film. During this period, he received widespread critical acclaim for his performances in Swayamkrushi (1987), Rudraveena (1988), and Aapadbandhavudu (1992), showcasing his versatility as an actor who excelled in both commercial blockbusters and critically acclaimed films. Notably, Swayamkrushi
3025-735: Was to appear in a Hollywood production directed by Dushan Garsi, and produced by Rameshkrishna Murthi. The Telugu version was directed by Suresh Krissna . The movie, which was titled The Return of the Thief of Baghdad , had its filming suspended for undisclosed reasons. Chiranjeevi's new decade started with Annayya (2000). After a brief gap, Chiranjeevi starred in Indra , released in 2002, which broke all his previous box office records of Tollywood and won him his third Nandi Award for Best Actor and sixth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. After that, he appeared in films with an underlying message and
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