Chiranjeevi’s connection to the Hindu deity Anjaneya led his mother to suggest the screen name Chiranjeevi . Translating to Immortal and  drawing from Hanuman’s eternal belief.

His film journey commenced with Punadhirallu  but the first film released was Pranam Khareedu. Mana Voori Pandavulu, directed by Bapu, marked his breakthrough with Telugu audiences. Early roles included appearances in Tayaramma Bangarayya and he portrayed anti-hero roles in I Love You and K. Balachander’s Idi Katha Kaadu, alongside Kamal Haasan.

Adapting from the Tamil film  Avargal, Chiranjeevi stepped into the character portrayed by Rajinikanth in the original. The late ’70s witnessed eight major releases, followed by 14 films in the subsequent year. He showcased his versatility by playing lead antagonists in movies like Mosagadu, Rani Kasula Rangamma, 47 Natkal 47 Rojulu, Nyayam Kavali and Ranuva Veeran.

1982–1986: Breakthrough with leading roles

Chiranjeevi’s rise to lead roles began with successful films like Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya (1982), directed by Kodi Ramakrishna, a notable hit at the box office. His performance in K. Viswanath’s Subhalekha, addressing the societal issue of dowry, earned him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu, while Viswanath secured his third Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu.

Continuing his prolific career, he starred in movies like Idi Pellantara, Sitadevi, Tingu Rangadu, Bandhalu Anubandhalu, Mondi Ghatam, multi-starrers such as Patnam Vachina Pativrathalu, Billa Ranga, and later appeared in Manchu Pallaki.

The movie Khaidi marked a significant milestone in his career, establishing Chiranjeevi as a superstar. His dominance in action films continued in 1984 with a string of box office hits including Mantri Gari Viyyankudu, Sangharshana, Goonda, Challenge, Hero, Donga, Jwala, Adavi Donga, Kondaveeti Raja, and Rakshasudu. Recognizing his excellence, he received his second Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu in 1985 for his role in Vijetha.

1987–2007: Commercial success

Chiranjeevi’s acclaimed performance in Swayamkrushi (1987), directed by K. Viswanath, earned him his first Nandi Award for Best Actor. Pasivadi Pranam (1987), Yamudiki Mogudu (1988), and Manchi Donga (1988) also proved successful at the box office. He co-produced and starred in Rudraveena (1988), which clinched the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration, along with the Nandi Special Jury Award.

Experimentation defined his career with Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari, a socio-fantasy film directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. Noteworthy works during this period included Kondaveeti Donga, the pioneering Telugu film released in 70mm 6-Track Stereophonic sound, the western genre Kodamasimham, and Gang Leader (1991), contributing to his image as the “boss of Telugu cinema.”

His foray into Bollywood with Pratibandh and Aaj Ka Goonda Raaj received appreciation. Aapadbandhavudu (1992) earned him his second Nandi Award for Best Actor and third Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. Despite some setbacks like Mechanic Alludu, S. P. Parasuram, Big Boss, and Rikshavodu in the mid-1990s, films like Mutha Mestri garnered him the fourth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.

A resurgence followed with movies like Hitler, Master, Bavagaru Bagunnara?, Choodalani Vundi, and Sneham Kosam, earning him the fifth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. His Hollywood project, The Return of the Thief of Baghdad, faced filming suspension.

Entering the new decade with Annayya, Chiranjeevi set records with Indra (2002), earning him his third Nandi Award for Best Actor and sixth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. Films like Tagore, Shankar Dada M.B.B.S., and Stalin showcased social messages, garnering critical acclaim and awards, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South in 2011 for his immense contributions to the film industry.

Political career

In 2008, Chiranjeevi founded the Praja Rajyam Party, emphasizing social justice. In the 2009 elections, the party secured 18 seats in Andhra Pradesh’s Legislative Assembly. Chiranjeevi won from Tirupati but lost in Palakollu.

Later, in 2011, he merged Praja Rajyam Party with the Indian National Congress after discussions with Sonia Gandhi. He became a Rajya Sabha member and served as Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism.

Chiranjeevi taking charge as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism. Chiranjeevi has maintained distance from active politics and hasn’t participated in Congress meetings. Despite rumors of a political return and fueled by the issuance of a new Congress identity card in 2022.  His tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended in April 2018.

Humanitarian work

On October 2, 1998, Chiranjeevi established the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust (CCT).  Encompassing vital initiatives like the Chiranjeevi Blood and Eye Banks which the largest in the state. CCT has facilitated over 68,000 blood donations and 1,414 eye donations. Benefitting around 80,000 and 1,000 individuals respectively in Andhra Pradesh.

The Trust’s commendable efforts extend further with around 350,000 eye pledges and 1,600 individuals gaining eyesight through CCT’s initiatives. Acknowledging its exceptional contributions . CCT received the best Voluntary Blood Bank Award from the AP State Government for consecutive years.

In 2006, the Chiranjeevi Charitable Foundation (CCF) was inaugurated by the then President Abdul Kalam at Jubilee Hills Check Post in Hyderabad. The CCT’s blood bank has surpassed the one lakh mark in blood collection, aiding over 96,000 individuals through blood donations.