Konidela Chiranjeevi, born Konidela Sivasankara Varaprasad on August 22, 1955, is an acclaimed Indian actor, politician, and philanthropist, best known for his contributions to Telugu cinema. Often referred to as the “Mega Star,” he is regarded as one of the most successful and influential figures in the history of Indian film. Chiranjeevi holds the record for the highest number of “Industry Hits” in Telugu cinema, with eight films achieving top-grossing status during their release a milestone unmatched in the industry’s century-long history. He is also celebrated for his exceptional dancing skills. Among his numerous accolades are the Padma Bhushan (2006) and Padma Vibhushan (2024) from the Government of India, as well as the IFFI Indian Film Personality of the Year Award in 2022. His recognition also includes the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award, three Nandi Awards, and nine Filmfare Awards South, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2013, CNN-IBN named him one of the men who transformed Indian cinema, and in 2024, he received a Guinness World Record for being the most prolific actor-dancer in the Indian film industry.
Chiranjeevi Biography 2024
Chiranjeevi made his acting debut in 1978, initially gaining attention through supporting roles and playing anti-heroes. His breakthrough came with the 1983 film Khaidi, which became the highest-grossing Telugu film at that time and solidified his status as a leading actor. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, he starred in several films that achieved “Industry Hit” status, including 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 was the first South Indian film to earn over ₹10 crore in distributor share, leading The Week magazine to declare him “Bigger than Bachchan” and label him “the new money machine.”
Chiranjeevi Biography Details
Born | Konidela Sivasankara Varaprasad 22 August 1955 (age 69) Mogalthur, Andhra State, India (present-day Andhra Pradesh, India) |
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Political party | Praja Rajyam Party |
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Other political affiliations | Indian National Congress |
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Spouse | |
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Children | 3, including Ram Charan |
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Relatives | See Konidela–Allu family |
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Residence | AB-3, Purana Qila Road, New Delhi |
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Alma mater | - Sri Y N College
- Madras Film Institute
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Occupation | - Actor
- politician
- philanthropist
- television host
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Awards | - Padma Vibhushan (2024)
- Padma Bhushan (2006)
- Full list
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Nickname(s) | Mega Star Supreme Hero |
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Chiranjeevi Early Life
Chiranjeevi was born in Mogalthur, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, to Konidela Venkata Rao, a constable, and Anjana Devi. He spent his early years in his native village with his grandparents. He attended various schools in Nidadavolu, Gurazala, Bapatla, Ponnur, Mangalagiri, and Mogalthur, and participated as an NCC cadet in the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi in the early 1970s. He developed an interest in acting from a young age and later graduated with a degree in commerce from Sri Y N College in Narsapuram. He moved to Chennai and enrolled in the Madras Film Institute in 1976 to pursue his acting career.
On February 20, 1980, Chiranjeevi married Surekha, the daughter of Telugu comic actor Allu Ramalingaiah. They have three children: two daughters, Sushmitha and Sreeja, and a son, Ram Charan, who is also an actor in Telugu cinema. Chiranjeevi has two brothers, Nagendra Babu, a film producer and actor, and Pawan Kalyan, an actor-politician who serves as the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and founded the Jana Sena party. His brother-in-law, Allu Aravind, is also a film producer, making Chiranjeevi the uncle to several actors, including Allu Arjun, Varun Tej, Niharika, Sai Dharam Tej, and Panja Vaisshnav Tej.
Chiranjeevi Bio
Real Name | Konidela Siva Sankara Vara Prasad |
Chiranjeevi Nickname and Profession
Nickname | Chiru |
Profession | Actor, Politician |
Chiranjeevi Physical Statistics
Height | 5′ 9″ (175 cm) |
Weight | 80 Kg (176 lbs) |
Body Measurements | Chest: 42 Inches, Waist: 34 Inches, Biceps: 13 Inches |
Eye Colour | Brown |
Hair Colour | Black |
Chiranjeevi Personal Information
Date of Birth | 22 August 1955 (Monday) |
Age (as of 2024) | 69 Years |
Birthplace | Mogalthur, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India |
Zodiac Sign | Leo |
Nationality | Indian |
Hometown | Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
Chiranjeevi Educational Background
School | CSR Sharma College, Ongole, Andhra Pradesh (Intermediate) |
College | Sri Y N College, Narsapur, Andhra Pradesh |
Education Qualifications | Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) |
Debut Films
Film Debut | Pranam Khareedu (Telugu, 1978) |
Tamil Debut | 47 Natkal (1981) |
Bollywood Debut | Pratibandh (1990) |
Kannada Debut | Sipayi (1996) |
TV Debut | Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu Season 4 (2017) |
Family Background
Father | Venkat Rao Konidela (Police Constable) |
Mother | Anjana Devi Konidela |
Brothers | Nagendra Babu (Film Producer), Pawan Kalyan (Actor) |
Sisters | Vijaya Durga, Madhavi |
Religion and Hobbies
Religion | Hinduism |
Hobbies | Singing |
Awards and Honors
Year | Award |
2006 | Padma Bhushan |
2024 | Padma Vibhushan |
2024 | Guinness World Record for Most Prolific Film Star in Indian Cinema |
Chiranjeevi Favorite Personalities
Favorite Actor | Sean Connery |
Favorite Actress | Mahanati Savitri |
Favorite Singer | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam |
Favorite Comedian | Charlie Chaplin |
Favorite Producer | D. Ramanaidu |
Chiranjeevi Marital Status
Marital Status | Married |
Marriage Date | 20 February 1980 |
Wife | Surekha Konidela |
Chiranjeevi Children
Daughters | Srija, Susmitha |
Son | Ram Charan Teja (Actor) |
Chiranjeevi Financial Overview
Salary | ₹27 crore |
Net Worth | Rs 1650 crore |
Chiranjeevi Salary
He reportedly earned ₹27 crore.
Chiranjeevi Net Worth
Chiranjeevi has a whopping net worth of Rs 1650 crore.
Chiranjeevi Summary
Chiranjeevi remains a monumental figure in Indian cinema, celebrated for his outstanding contributions as an actor and his impactful philanthropic work. His journey from a young aspiring actor to a revered star and influential politician exemplifies his dedication and talent, making him an enduring icon in the hearts of many.