The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Chiranjeevi's mega crowning glory

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 26, 2006

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Chiranjeevi's mega crowning glory

Suresh Krishnamoorthy

HYDERABAD: An ecstatic megastar Chiranjeevi said he was overwhelmed and feeling on top of the world, more so on seeing the happiness on the faces of his kith and kin when the big declaration came in, awarding him the Padmabhushan late on Wednesday evening.

Mr. Chiranjeevi told The Hindu that though he had received several awards of eminence, the Padmabhushan for him was the crowning glory, a permanent stamp of achievement.

Fans thanked

"By this recognition, the Government has added immense value to me, motivating me to work harder in the discharge of my social responsibility as an actor. This is a recognition bestowed on the entire Telugu film industry and I dedicate this to my fans," he said, elated.

The megastar's brother-in-law and film producer Allu Aravind said he was excited and said it was rare to be a part of a family in which there were two `Padmas', recalling his late father Allu Ramalingaiah who was awarded a Padmashri in the past.

How was the news communicated and what was the first reaction?

Well-wisher calls up

"A well-wisher called us and asked us to switch on the telly. Initially, when we switched on Teja News, we were ecstatic, a feeling that mellowed down to a sense of calm and quiet happiness as we surfed channels and found everyone broadcasting the news," the mega star said.

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