Chiranjeevi 'Speechless' After Padma Vibhushan Honour, Expresses Gratitude To PM Modi

Veteran actor Chiranjeevi was among 132 people conferred with Padma awards, the government announced on Thursday i.e. on Republic Day’s eye. He has been honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honour awarded for exceptional and distinguished service. Hours after the big announcement, the actor issued a video statement and expressed his gratitude to his fans and well-wishers.

Chiranjeevi shared that he was “speechless” after he got to know about the honour and said that he is “overwhelmed, humbled and grateful” about it. “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, though I know I can never do enough,” he said.

Talking about his films and philanthropic deeds, the megastar further added, “On screen, in the last 45 years of my film career I have tried to entertain you to the best of my capabilities and off screen, I try to help the needy by taking up relevant social and humanitarian causes from time to time. I have done so little, yet you have given me such great recognition and honour. I always remain indebted to you for your love and support.”

Chiranjeevi concluded by thanking the government of India as he said, “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.”

Chiranjeevi made his acting debut with the 1978 movie Punadhirallu. However, he got his major breakthrough with Sindhooram in 1997. In his career of more than four decades, Chiranjeevi has worked in over 150 feature films in several languages including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil and Kannada. Some of his popular films are – Rudra Veena, Indra, Tagore, Swayam Krushi, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, Stalin and Gang Leader.

Besides Chiranjeevi, Vyjayanthimala will also be honoured with Padma Vibhushan. She is one of Indian cinema’s finest actors and has worked in several films from the 1950s and 1960s, including Devdas, Naya Daur, Aasha, Sadhna, Gunga Jumna, Sangam, and Jewel Thief.