Hyderabad: Megastar Chiranjeevi on Tuesday celebrated 48 years since his cinematic debut, marking the anniversary with an emotional social media post thanking fans, producers, directors, and co-workers for shaping his extraordinary career.
Taking to X, he wrote that in these 48 years, “ I have played countless roles. I have seen many successes. I have received numerous awards and honours. I owe my heartfelt gratitude to every producer who trusted me and gave me opportunities through this long journey, to every director who unveiled new dimensions of the actor in me, and to every actor, technician, and colleague who tirelessly worked behind each of my films. It is your collective support that has kept me standing at this level today. But greater than all those successes… is the love you have shown me. More valuable than all those honours… is the place you have given me in your hearts. My heartfelt thanks to every single fan who considered me a member of their family and showered me with such extraordinary love and affection. Back then, "Chiranjeevi" was a name I chose for myself. Today, because of your love, it has become my permanent identity forever. With eternal gratitude for your love and affection,” he wrote in a heartfelt message.
Chiranjeevi's debut release, Pranam Khareedu, hit theatres on September 22, 1978, even though Punadhirallu was technically the first film he signed, its release having been delayed by a year. Pranam Khareedu starred Jayasudha, Rao Gopal Rao, Chandra Mohan, Chiranjeevi, Mahasweta Ray, and Madhavi in a guest appearance, and was directed by K. Vasu.
Born Konidela Siva Sankara Vara Prasad, the actor took on the screen name "Chiranjeevi," meaning "immortal", a reference tied to his family's devotion to Lord Hanuman.
Far from an overnight sensation, Chiranjeevi's rise was built gradually. He began his career playing small roles before gaining recognition from Telugu audiences as a hero in more than 150 films and built a legacy that includes hits like Pasivadi Pranam, Yamudiki Mogudu, and Rudraveena, the latter earning a National Film Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration. He later returned to cinema after a hiatus with 2017's Khaidi No. 150, followed by Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy and Waltair Veerayya.
Chiranjeevi's latest released film is the action comedy Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, which premiered in theaters on January 12, 2026. His upcoming film Kaaka, directed by Bobby Kolli, is touted to be a high-intensity action entertainer featuring Chiranjeevi as Kadiri Kalidas and is scheduled for release on January 13, 2027. Another film is Vishwambhara- a fantasy socio-film directed by Mallidi Vassishta and featuring Trisha Krishnan, Ashika Ranganath, Mouni Roy, and Kunal Kapoor in the lead roles, is currently in the post-production phase.
His contributions have been recognised at the national level as well, with the Government of India honouring him with the Padma Bhushan in 2006 and the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in 2024.
In his anniversary message, Chiranjeevi reflected that his greatest reward was not the awards or box-office records. Still, the love of his fans and his screen name "Chiranjeevi," which he once chose for himself, has today become, through his fans' affection, his lasting identity.
