Megastar Chiranjeevi felicitated at gala function

Hyderabad, April 24 (IANS) Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi was felicitated by Indian cinema icon Amitabh Bachchan at a glittering function organised by the Telugu film industry here.

Almost the entire Telugu film industry as well as stars from other southern states and Bollywood were on hand late Sunday at the tribute to Chiranjeevi, who recently won the Padma Bhushan award, at the packed Gacchibowli stadium here.

Many fans of the actor, whose fan following can only be compared with the late N.T. Rama Rao, had to turn away disappointed as they failed to get in.

Amongst those present were his many co-stars like Sridevi, Jaya Prada, Suhasini and Rambha.

"You have shown that one can sustain success," Bachchan told the 52-year-old actor amid thunderous applause by the gathering, which included well-known film producers D. Rama Naidu and Dasari Narayana Rao.

Expressing his best wishes for the continuing success of the Telugu actor, who has remained on top for more than two decades, Bachchan said: "May he grow further in stature and may he win the coveted Bharat Ratna."

Chiranjeevi was visibly moved by the praise showered on him and merely said: "All I can say is thanks."

The colourful event was interspersed with songs and dances, presented by actresses Sakshi Shivanand and Reema Sen, from Chiranjeevi's films.

The actor, who runs a blood bank and is engaged in various social services, has stayed away from politics, despite persistent demands from various quarters.

Born on Aug 22, 1955, in Mogultur village in West Godavari district, Chiranjeevi entered the film industry with "Punaadi Raallu" in 1978 after completing his diploma in acting in Chennai.

Also known as action king and angry young man of Telugu cinema, Chiranjeevi has so far acted in 140 films.