Chiranjeevi’s Schooling wasn’t any different from his father’s career. Frequent changes characterized by new environs and people formed the mental canvas on which would possibly spend endless nights missing old friends and adjusting to new ones. Such was the circumstance in which he was put into and off course… without his permission.

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Here is a Sampling of his schooling years: 

Second standard at Mangalagiri elementary school followed by three years at the ZPH School in Pommaru. Intermittent studies at Mogultur and Bapatla for the next four years. A quick intermediate education at Ongole followed by graduation from Yerramalli Narayanamurthy Kalasala at Narasapur.

The first actor he saw on screen was Mr. Krishnam Raju. Though he was not crazy about any actor as such. Chiranjeevi definitely had a liking for Master Prabhakar in ‘Bala Raju Kadha’, Baby Sridevi in ‘Badi Panthulu’ the then very prominent child artiste and Visweshwar Rao who acted in many films. He wanted to be like them - An actor.

It was his first standard exams and the teacher called Chiru personally to handover his test paper, telling him that he got the first mark in the exam and asked him to show it to his parents. An overjoyed Chiranjeevi ran home with glee. Kicked up and ecstatic about his achievement he presented this answer paper to his father. A shocked parent, Mr. Venkat Rao rebuked his son for his performance. His mother similarly scolded him for getting 1 mark in his exam! One can imagine Chiranjeevi’s grief and confusion. Only later it dawned on him that he scored a single mark in his exam – what his teacher called ‘the first mark’

Though he wasn’t good at sports as such, cricket fascinated him. He wanted to be an ace cricketer. Therefore he set out to play cricket. In his very first innings as a batsman, Chiranjeevi ‘s thumb got smashed. This wound took almost a year to heal. He never returned to the cricket ground. May be a game of shuttle was all he would venture into once in a while. Recently, the star cricket tournament saw Chiranjeevi actually captain a team! Moreover, He captained his team to a resounding win. Some come back this!

During his visit to Hyderabad for summer vacations, Chiranjeevi spotted NTR, ANR and Jamuna walking into Ramakrishna 70 MM Theater. He wanted to act with them – it did not matter to him even if he acted with them in a dream. Such was his desire.

His Grandmother began calling him Sankara Babu in short and so it was during his childhood years. His early life was pretty interesting. It definitely had small traces of grandeur. His birthdays were celebrated with glee and style. A huge attendance, gifts, fun and frolic and yes – Gifts! Call it providence, or god’s writ; Chiranjeevi has been blessed with happiness and the undying support of those who know him as a person and as an actor.

Chiranjeevi’s foray into the Tinsel world was hardly glamorous, infact it was a challenging passage for him since he was still studying at the Film Institute. His first film - "Pranam Khareedu" - Was Released On 22 Sep 1978. Director Raj Kumar was the first to give Chiru a chance as an actor in a film titled 'Punadi Rallu'. Producer Kranthi Kumar later offered him a role in the film 'Pranam Kharidu. Incidentally, Pranam Kharidu was the first film to be released under the direction of K. Vasu.

This role was initially offered to Sudhakar, Chiru’s friend. Since Sudhakar had already committed himself to Bharathi Raja Chiru was recommended to do the job. That ‘s how Chiru’s voyage into films began.

K. Balachander and K. Bapu watched the preview of Pranam Kharidu. Following which, Bapu offered Manavoori Pandavalu, his second movie. K Balachander followed suit and made a similar offer. One event led to another and there has been no looking back ever since for Chiru. The Megastar’s making had begun even before he joined the Film Institute; His first public performance was in the Republic Day parade ballet of Andhra Pradesh on 26 January 1976. 

Acting has always been an inseparable and integral part of this thespian. By 1980 Chiru was 11 films old, it is amazing to note that his 100th film – ‘Trinetrudu’ - was released on 22 Sep 1988, just eight years after his 11th film and 10 years after ‘Pranam Kharidu’. 138 films to date, Innumerable super hits, a versatile performer, this man has come a long way and has inspired many more to walk into the hearts of millions of movie buffs.

A film magazine ‘Jyothichitra’ was the first to interview and publish an interview with Chiranjeevi. He was barely 23 years old then with one film to his credit. M. Koteshwar Rao, the scribe who interviewed Chiranjeevi, described him as a Kranthi Kumar find and a promising glimmer in Telugu cinema. This interview appeared in Jyothichitra Film Magazine on July 21st, 1978.

While ‘Punnami Naagu’, established Chiranjeevi as a star with immense talent and zest, ‘Khaidi’, released in 1983, catapulted him to the status of Megastar Chiranjeevi. After Khaidi, everything about Chiranjeevi was larger than life. His style, speaking, mannerisms, even small things like an eyebrow twitch became trademarks. From then on Chiranjeevi was not just Megastar Chiranjeevi or Superstar Chiranjeevi; he was a star who achieved a demi god status both on and off screen.

His folks named him Konidela Siva Sankara Vara Prasad; little did they know that this Leo Child would one day capture and rule the hearts of the Telugu Movie goer. The eldest amongst his siblings, Chiranjeevi as we know him today, was born in Narasapur, and was largely brought up in rural Andhra – Of which Mangalagiri and Pommaru deserve a special mention – It was here that our hero did his elementary schooling. It must have been tough on Konidela Venkat Rao, Chiranjeevi’s father to oversee the welfare of four kids without the silent support and devotion of his wife and a doting mother Konidela Anjana Devi. Chiranjeevi spent a major part of his childhood with his grandparents. His father’s job demanded frequent travel and so the family followed him to various towns in West Godavari district. Amongst them Mogultur, Ongole and Bapatla must have been special to our megastar where he lived those confusing, impressionable years of adolescent life.

Trying to fan the embers of a makeshift stove, the smoke got into Anjani Devi’s eyes and as a result, tears rolled down her eyes. Chiranjeevi, moved by this embraced his mother and promised her a life without any hardship once he grew up.

A youngster from the neighborhood was caught stealing in the Chiranjeevi household. Mr. Venkat Rao, who was cheesed of with this, tied the youngster to the lamppost and went to get the Police. His wife, Anjana Devi, got the youngster freed and arranged for a hearty meal for him and chastised him not to steal again. Such was the compassion of this lady, the mother and more so the influence that formed a deep impression on the young Chiru.

On February 20, 1980, Chiranjeevi married Surekha, the daughter of veteran actor Shri. Allu Ramalingayya – A memorable day for Chiru, after all, he was on the threshold of a fresh chapter in his life. A whole new world was set to emerge out of his bachelorhood and so it did.

His folks named him Konidela Siva Sankara Vara Prasad; little did they know that this Leo Child would one day capture and rule the hearts of the Telugu Movie goer. The eldest amongst his siblings, Chiranjeevi as we know him today, was born in Narasapur, and was largely brought up in rural Andhra – Of which Mangalagiri and Pommaru deserve a special mention – It was here that our hero did his elementary schooling. It must have been tough on Konidela Venkat Rao, Chiranjeevi’s father to oversee the welfare of four kids without the silent support and devotion of his wife and a doting mother Konidela Anjana Devi. Chiranjeevi spent a major part of his childhood with his grandparents. His father’s job demanded frequent travel and so the family followed him to various towns in West Godavari district. Amongst them Mogultur, Ongole and Bapatla must have been special to our megastar where he lived those confusing, impressionable years of adolescent life.

Not every time did they get caught when they sneaked out of their house. This time it was to watch the first show of ‘Ramu’ in Nellore’s Ranga Mahal Theater. Bad luck stared them in the eye when their parents, who were returning home from the matinee show caught them red handed. It is not difficult to guess what Chiranjeevi and Nagendra Babu had in store. They were taught a lesson by daddy, a difficult one though.

After dabbling briefly with cost accounting in Madras, by the fall of 1977 Chiranjeevi decided to earn a diploma from The Film Institute run by the South Indian Film Chambers. This was his inner calling and it was something he couldn’t hide or ignore – a passion for movies, a deep wanting to be on the Shakespearean stage or was it the charm of the celluloid? His inner craving showed him the way. His imaginations took a firm rooting in this important phase and destiny played its part – providing the gravity to hoist a Siva Sankara Vara Prasad into someone more glamorous, someone who would wield an enormous and Influential sway on the affairs of the Telugu Film Industry in time to come.

A wooden horse was Chiranjeevi’s favorite. He’d sit on it and ride the horse. This made it easy for mother Anjana Devi to feed him. Later when his mother presented a crystal-studded horse embedded in a hand, it evoked that old feeling in Chiranjeevi.

Chiranjeevi's world revolves around his family and more importantly those who have loved him and cradled him in their hearts throughout his 20-year stint in movies.... his fans – An extension to his family.

Chiru has always been a family man – Even as a child, being the eldest among his siblings: Nagendra, Kalyan, Vijaya and Madhavi; he donned the role of a mentor and a friend besides being a loving and protective brother.

Over 25 years of marital bliss, two daughters Sushmita & Srija and a son Ramcharan Tej, Chiru is a contented man with a happy family. Need anyone ask for more? He got his elder daughter Sushmita married to Vishnu a succefful businessman from Chennai o the 2nd March’2006.

Frequenting to the lake for a swim, boxing and wrestling was how these two kids would spend time. All this without the knowledge of their parents! It is coincidental that most of the neighborhoods the Chiranjeevi household moved into were Muslim. As a direct consequence most of his pals were Muslims. A large part of their culture and traditions seeped into the Konidela youngsters making them respect both of their religions. Regular Namaz, dining out with his friends influenced their personalities in days to come. The movie Mutha Mestry reflects this influence and fondness for his Muslim brothers.

All great lives have humble beginnings and this cannot be understated about “Chiru” Another name his fans call him out of fondness. Growing up by the countryside could be an alienating experience but not for our hero, he has gone ahead and proved that despite hailing from a remote village one can succeed if equipped with the passion to achieve ones dreams, unflinching faith in ones abilities and hard work- to which there is no substitute.

His fans have played an important role in revitalizing him every now and then. Never in his acting career did he lose touch with his fans. Inspite of temporary setbacks, the support he’s received from his fans has played a pivotal role in boosting this Megastars morale during those lows life often dishes out.

What endears this human being to one and all is his humility; Chiranjeevi's simple and unassuming ways coupled with his charisma and a keen penetrative mind have made him a magnetic personality.

Macho Telugu star of the 80's and 90's, 152 films, innumerable awards, one of the highest paid movie actors in the Indian Film Industry, Chiranjeevi has been acknowledged as being one of the most successful actors in the history of the Telugu Cinema Industry. Known for his dare devil stunts, dancing prowess and his ability to handle a versatile range of roles, Chiru has made an indelible impression in the hearts of the Andhra audience. This is evident by his mammoth fan following who try and emulate each action and mannerism of his. His recent comeback film Indra has been the highest grosser in the history of Telugu cinema. In his career spanning almost three decades, Chiranjeevi has been honored and awarded from agencies ranging from Film Industry to the Income Tax department. The crowning glory is the Padma Bhushan bestowed on him by the President of India,  His Excellency  A.P.J.Abdul Kalam on the 30th March’2006 in recognition of his outstanding achievements in Films and his services for the well being of the society through his Charitable trust, Eye and Blood Banks.

October 1998 was an important milestone for Chiranjeevi. He set up the Chiranjeevi Eye & Blood Bank and Charitable Trust to help the underprivileged ones. A concrete shape given to his imagination, one of the many philanthropic endeavors Chiranjeevi has undertaken.