Pawan Kalyan, born either in 1968 or 1971, is a versatile figure in Indian entertainment—actor, filmmaker, politician, martial artist, and philanthropist, predominantly in Telugu cinema. Known for his unique style and devoted fanbase, he’s among India’s top-paid actors, a regular on Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 since 2013. His accolades include a Filmfare, SIIMA, CineMAA, and Santosham Film Award. He’s also the founder of the Jana Sena Party.

Debuting in 1996’s “Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi,” Kalyan gained fame with “Gokulamlo Seeta” (1997) and “Suswagatham” (1998). “Tholi Prema” (1998) marked his breakthrough, winning a National Film Award. He’s starred in hits like “Thammudu” (1999), “Kushi” (2001), “Gabbar Singh” (2012), “Attarintiki Daredi” (2013), “Vakeel Saab” (2021), and “Bheemla Nayak” (2022). He won a Filmfare for “Gabbar Singh,” and “Attarintiki Daredi” was a top-grossing Telugu film. Apart from acting, he produces films under Anjana Productions and Pawan Kalyan Creative Works.

In 2008, Kalyan entered politics, initially with his brother’s party, later founding Jana Sena in 2014, gaining significant Google search traction as a public figure. Renowned for philanthropy, he set up the Common Man Protection Force in Andhra Pradesh. A black belt in Karate, his martial arts skills often feature in his films. Revered as “Power Star,” Kalyan’s impact spans entertainment, politics, and social causes.

Early life and family

Kalyan, born on September 2nd in either 1968 or 1971 to Konidela Venkata Rao and Anjana Devi in Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh. He’s the younger brother of Chiranjeevi and Nagendra Babu. The moniker “Pawan” was bestowed upon him during a public martial arts display. Proficient in karate with a black belt, he’s also the uncle of actors Ram Charan, Varun Tej, Sai Dharam Tej, and Allu Arjun.

Acting career

Kalyan debuted in 1996’s “Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi” and gained recognition with “Tholi Prema” (1999), bagging several awards. Notably, he showcased his versatility in films like “Badri” (2000) and the blockbuster “Kushi” (2001). His self-directed venture, “Johnny” (2003), displayed his multifaceted skills.

In the mid-2000s, movies like “Gudumba Shankar” (2004), “Balu” (2005), and “Jalsa” (2008) marked significant successes in his career. “Gabbar Singh” (2012) and “Attarintiki Daredi” (2013), despite piracy concerns, continued his winning streak.

His impact expanded beyond cinema, recognized among India’s Top 5 Heroes by Star India in 2014. Following a hiatus, he returned with “Vakeel Saab” (2021) and is currently working on “Hari Hara Veera Mallu,” slated for a 2023 release. Upcoming projects include “Ustaad Bhagat Singh,” a “Vinodhaya Sitham” remake, and “OG,” directed by Sujeeth and produced by D. V. V. Danayya.

Political career

Praja Rajyam Party

In 2008, Kalyan stepped into politics as the president of Yuvarajyam, the youth wing of the Praja Rajyam Party led by his elder brother, Chiranjeevi. Despite not contesting elections or holding a constitutional post, he actively campaigned for the party. However, his political journey was punctuated by health issues; during a roadshow in Vizag on April 19, 2009, he suffered from vomiting due to a sunstroke.

When Chiranjeevi merged his party with the Congress in 2011, Kalyan took a political hiatus, signaling his disagreement with the decision. In 2014, expressing his discontent, he founded the Jana Sena Party, launching himself back into the political arena.

Jana Sena Party

In 2014, Kalyan founded the Jana Sena Party, outlining its ideology in his book “Ism.” He met Narendra Modi, discussing regional concerns and backing the TDP-BJP alliance in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. His impactful rallies addressed diverse issues, including spotlighting the Uddanam kidney disease crisis and advocating against Congress rule.

His activism extended to various causes, from contesting the 2019 elections across Andhra Pradesh independently to protesting against DCI’s privatization. Despite winning just one seat in the 2019 elections, Kalyan persisted in socio-political engagements, organizing marches against unemployment and advocating for justice in tragic cases, like Sugali Preethi’s in Kurnool. In 2020, he aligned Jana Sena with BJP for the 2024 elections and pushed for a CBI inquiry into the Preethi case.