An Exclusive Interview With Chiranjeevi
An Exclusive Interview With Chiranjeevi
Politics is not on my agenda but I want to be a part of social service.
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.
Leave a Reply