22 August,2023 11:48 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Chiranjeevi
Earlier this year, the team of 'RRR' made India proud at the Oscars by winning the Best Song award. Director SS Rajamouli along with his leading men Jr NTR and Ram Charan and musician MM Keerawani attended the ceremony. Chiranjeevi was all praise for his son Ram and the team of the film for presenting India on global platforms. But did you know, before Ram Charan, Chiranjeevi was invited to the Oscars?
Chiranjeevi has made a massive contribution to the rich history of the Indian film industry. Back in 1987, recognising his works, Chiranjeevi was invited as guest of honour at the prestigious Academy Awards. He also became the first South Indian actor to attend the Academy awards as a guest.
After 'RRR' won big for India at Oscars, Chiranjeevi lauded the entire team and said, "It is just amazing that RRR has become the first Indian film to win Oscar. I salute the musical genius MM Keeravaani and lyricist Chandrabose and singers Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava along with the choreographer, off course Tarak and Ram Charan, who danced like a dream. Just one man, SS Rajamouli, has made it all happen. He has made every Indian proud today."
Adding, he also congratulated the entire team of 'The Elephant Whisperers' that won the Best Documentary Short and said, "I also want to congratulate the entire team of The Elephant Whisperers for winning the Oscars in the best short documentary category. You have all created history and made our hearts swell with pride. Jai Hind."
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In the 90s, Chiranjeevi was the highest paid actors in India. He was paid an amount of Rs 1.5 crore for his film 'Aapad Bandhavudu Chiranjeevi'. With this, Chiranjeevi surpassed Amitabh Bachchan who during the same period used to demand a sum of Rs 1 crore for a film. The megastar in 1999 was cast to star in a Hollywood film titled, 'The Return of the Thief of Baghdad', which unfortunately came to a halt due to undisclosed reasons.
Chiranjeevi has won over three Andhra Pradesh State Nandi Awards and Nine Filmfare Awards South. In 2006, the megastar was honoured with a Padma Bhushan and was presented with an Honorary Doctorate from Andhra University for his contributions to Indian Cinema.
