Chiranjeevi Completes 48 Years in Telugu Cinema, Says Fan Love Is His Greatest Honour

Megastar Chiranjeevi on Tuesday marked 48 years in Telugu cinema, looking back on a remarkable journey that began with Pranam Khareedu in 1978 and thanking fans for the affection that, he said, remains more valuable than all the awards and achievements he has received.

Taking to social media, Chiranjeevi recalled September 22, 1978, when his cinematic journey began. Born Konidela Siva Sankara Vara Prasad, he adopted the screen name Chiranjeevi and gradually established himself as one of Telugu cinema’s most recognisable stars.

“In these 48 years, I have portrayed so many characters. I have witnessed so many victories. I have received so many awards and honours,” he wrote, thanking producers, directors, actors and technicians who contributed to his long career.

However, he said the greatest reward has been the love of audiences. Chiranjeevi described the place fans have given him in their hearts as more valuable than his professional honours, and thanked those who treated him like a member of their own families.

His rise from supporting and negative roles to leading-man superstardom gathered pace with Khaidi (1983). His combination of action, dance, comedy and emotional performances subsequently helped him build a career spanning more than 150 films.

His achievements have also been recognised nationally and internationally. In 2024, Chiranjeevi was conferred the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour. Guinness World Records has also recognised him as the most prolific film star in the Indian film industry in the actor/dancer category, citing 143 films and 537 dance songs.

Chiranjeevi continues to remain active on screen. His upcoming film Kaaka, directed by Bobby Kolli, is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on January 13, 2027, during the Sankranthi season. The actor recently revealed that he plays Kadiri Kalidas, while earlier promotional material introduced him as supervisor Satyam.

As he completed 48 years in cinema, Chiranjeevi said that the name he adopted on his debut has now become his “eternal identity” because of the love of his fans.