Chiranjeevi missed national award by a whisker. Megastar Chiranjeevi, recently honored with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, has expressed his gratitude to his fans and well-wishers for their unwavering support. However, in the 1990s, he narrowly missed out on the coveted National Award for Best Actor.
"Chiranjeevi Garu was poised to receive the National Award for Best Actor for his exceptional portrayal in our film 'Aapadhbhandavudu,'" recalls producer Edida Sriram. "The jury had almost finalized his name, but last-minute changes unfortunately altered the outcome. Nevertheless, he deservedly won the Andhra Pradesh state Nandi Award for his brilliant performance."
During the 1980s and early 1990s, Chiranjeevi ventured into realistic films amidst his regular commercial blockbusters, showcasing his remarkable acting versatility. Seeking to explore his histrionic skills beyond dancing and fighting sequences, he collaborated with legendary producer Edida Nageswara Rao, known for path-breaking films like 'Sankarabaranam' and 'Sagara Sangamam.' Together, they delivered two memorable films of Chiranjeevi's career: 'Swayamkrushi' and 'Aapadhbhandavudu.'
"Chiranjeevi Garu took a daring step, considering his undisputed commercial success in Tollywood," notes Edida Sriram, son of Edida Nageswara Rao. "Despite his stardom, he embraced down-to-earth roles in our films, demonstrating his exceptional acting prowess. He affectionately referred to our films as 'heart-beat movies' rather than off-beat ones."
The producer fondly recalls the close bond they shared with Chiranjeevi, who provided immense support during difficult times, including the funeral of Edida Nageswara Rao.
Two of Chiranjeevi's standout performances in his 150-odd films earned him prestigious Best Actor Nandi Awards, solidifying his status as an actor par excellence.
"In 'Swayamkrushi,' Chiranjeevi Garu meticulously observed a real-life cobbler for days to authentically portray the character's journey from humble beginnings to riches through hard work," says Sriram. "He seamlessly transitioned from the commercial blockbuster 'Pasivadi Pranam' to this down-to-earth role, directed by the renowned K Vishwanath."
Chiranjeevi's commitment to realism extended to his attire and body language, effortlessly embodying the character of the cobbler. His dedication was duly recognized with the Best Actor Nandi Award.
In 'Aapadhbhandavudu,' Chiranjeevi underwent a remarkable image makeover, transforming into a cowherd with perfection. He played a loyal servant devoted to his boss and his daughter (Meenakshi Seshadri), whom he greatly admired.
Despite narrowly missing out on the National Award, Chiranjeevi's performances in these realistic films cemented his legacy as an actor of exceptional talent and versatility.