New Delhi: After receiving the Padma Vibhushan, actor Chiranjeevi posted a video greeting to his fans and well-wishers expressing his gratitude for their love and support. One day ahead of Republic Day, on Thursday, the Padma Awards 2024 were revealed. Chiranjeevi said, "After hearing this news, I became speechless," in response to the accolade.
Expressing his gratitude on receiving the second highest Civilian honour in the country, the megastar said, "I am really overwhelmed, humbled, and grateful. It is only the unconditional love of the audience, my friends, my blood brothers, and sisters. I owe this life and moment to you. I have always tried to express my gratitude in the ways I can. But, nothing can be ever enough. On-screen, in the last 45 years of my career, I have tried to entertain you with the best of my abilities. I tried to help the needy by taking part in relevant social and humanity causes."
The veteran actor further went on to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and added, "I have done so little. Yet, you have given me such recognition and honour. I always remain indebted to you for your love and support. At this moment of pride, I would like to thank the government of India and our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji for bestowing on me Padma Vibhushan. Thank you. Jai Hind.”
In addition to Chiranjeevi, Vyjayanthimala also received the Padma Vibhushan award. Among the awardees this year are composer Pyarelal Sharma, vocalist Usha Uthup, and actor Mithun Chakraborty.
One of the most popular performers, Chiranjeevi has appeared in over 160 films, spanning Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, and Kannada. This is his second Padma Award; the first was the Padma Bhushan in 2006. The actor, who is set to feature in Vasishta of Bimbisara fame's Vishwambhara, nearly took a break from acting once.
Following his 2007 film Shankar Dada Zindabad, he took a break from acting in an attempt to pursue politics, founding the Praja Rajyam Party in 2008. But he made a comeback to the big screen in 2017 with Khaidi No 150.
Vijetha, Indra, Shankar Dada M.B.B.S., and, most recently, Bholaa Shankar are among his best works. On his 68th birthday last year, Chiranjeevi revealed the details of his upcoming movie, Mega 159.
Another aspect of Chiranjeevi's fame is his philanthropic endeavours. He established the Chiranjeevi Blood and Eye Banks and the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust (CCT) in 1998. It rose to become the top recipient of blood and ocular donations in the state.