An Exclusive Interview With Chiranjeevi

Politics is not on my agenda but I want to be a part of social service.

Listen to Chiranjeevi Hits
Shankar Dada MBBS.. songs
Shankar Dada MBBS.. Review
Tagore.. songs
Tagore.. Review

You have completed your silver jubilee year in films. What do you feel when you look back? Where were you born?
I was born in the Godavari district of AndraPradesh in a village called Mogalttur. My father was a police constable. I was the eldest of the five children. My name in the school register is Shivashankara Prasad. Father used to et frequent transfers. So I stayed with my grand mother and completed my schooling. It was uneventful childhood.

When did the actor in you surface?
When I was in my class X, I acted in a short play written by my friend. I won prize for the best actor. I used to love the dances of Helan, Jyothilakshmi and Jayamalini. When I completed college I decided to become a full time actor.

Is that how your film career began?
That is an interesting story. In those days, Chennai’s film Institute used to be a very wide place. I was in the final year in 1978. I got on offer to act in a film but you weren’t supposed to take up acting when you are still studying. I lied to my staff, telling them that my grandfather had died and took a long leave and had acted in the film. The film was ‘Punadirallu’. I played a farmer in the film. The first scene was very simple. I wash my legs and enter house. When everybody was ready to shoot the scene I asked them, "What was the previous scene?" When they explained, I smeared some dust and grime on my legs. The Cinematographer saw it. He come to me and said, "Someday you will become a big star". Soon offers began pouring in. I was lucky. I was at the right place at the right time.

  When did Chiranjeevi become a Megastar?
‘Kaidhi’ made me a star. It was released in 1993. K.S.Rama Rao ‘Maranamridhungam’ made me a megastar. But the title did not change me at all.

  Everyone loves your dance. How and where did you learn if from?
I did not learn any classical dance. There was Kathak class in the film institute for two months. That’s the only formal training I ever had.

  What are your favourite locations?
I have been almost all over the world for my shootings. I like Kerala, especially Alapuzha and Kollam.

  What are your future plans? Politics?
Politics is not on my agenda but I want to be a part of social service. The Blood bank that I had started is doing very well. My greatest strength is the love and affection. I get from my fans. I know what they expect from me in my films. I try to deliver it.