Chiranjeevi conferred with a Padma Vibhushan

Actor and former politician Konidela Chiranjeevi has been honoured with the Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India. The Padma Vibhushan is the second highest civilian honour, coming after the Bharat Ratna and before Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan. Chiranjeevi, who is being given the Padma Vibhushan for his contribution in the field of arts, has previously received a Padma Bhushan in 2006. 

Born as Konidela Sivasankara Vara Prasad on August 22, 1955 in the Mogalthur town of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, Chiranjeevi has risen his way up the ranks, earning name, fame and an enduring legacy as one of Telugu film industry’s brightest actors and biggest stars. After making a debut with the 1978 film Pranam Khareedu, Chiranjeevi went on to star in a host of memorable characters over the course of a four-decade long career. Some of Chiranjeevi's most popular films include Khaidi (1983), Abhilasha (1983), Chantabbai (1986), Swayamkrushi (1987),  Jagadeeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990), Gharana Mogudu (1992), Aapadbandhavudu (1992), Muta Mestri (1993), Master (1997), Indra (2002), Shankar Dada MBBS (2004) and Anji (2004). Chiranjeevi took an indefinite hiatus from his acting career to start a political career in 2008, following which he founded the Praja Rajyam Party. Praja Rajyam Party was merged with the Indian National Congress in 2011. He has briefly held a cabinet ministry, working as a Minister of State (Independent charge), Tourism. Chiranjeevi made a comeback in 2017 with Khaidi 150. He has been working in films full time since then.

Outside of cinema, Chiranjeevi is well known for his philanthropy. The Chiranjeevi Blood bank and Chiranjeevi eye banks run by him account as one of the largest recipients of blood and eye donations in the Telugu states. The actor is also well known for his devotion to Anjaneya, his screen name being a tribute to the deity. In addition to National honours, Chiranjeevi has also received the Raghupathi Venkataiah Award, the highest film award in Andhra Pradesh, along with three Nandi awards. 

Along with Chiranjeevi, artists Usha Uthup, Vyjayanthimala and the late Vijayakanth, among others are receiving the Padma Honours this year. 

Here is Chiranjeevi's reaction to being conferred with the Padma Vibhushan