Konidela Pawan Kalyan
Konidela Pawan Kalyan, born on September 2, 1971, in Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, is a renowned Indian actor, filmmaker, and politician. He is the youngest brother of Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi and actor Nagendra Babu. Pawan Kalyan is currently serving as the 11th Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh since June 12, 2024, and holds multiple ministerial portfolios including Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, Rural Water Supply, Environment, Forests, Science, and Technology.
He began his acting career in 1996 with the film "Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi" and rose to fame with blockbusters such as "Tholi Prema" (1998), "Thammudu" (1999), "Badri" (2000), and "Kushi" (2001), establishing himself as a youth icon distinct from his elder brother's fanbase. Known by his fans and the media as "Power Star," Kalyan’s distinctive style, fighting skills (he holds a black belt in Karate), and charismatic screen presence have garnered him a huge and loyal following. He has received several accolades including a Filmfare Award for Best Actor for "Gabbar Singh" (2012).
In 2014, Pawan Kalyan founded the Jana Sena Party (JSP) and actively engaged in politics, campaigning for the TDP-BJP alliance in Andhra Pradesh. His party gained prominence by focusing on social causes such as farmers' welfare, women's safety, land rights, and environmental issues. In the 2024 Assembly elections, Jana Sena formed a winning alliance with TDP and BJP, sweeping all its contested seats and leading to Kalyan’s appointment as Deputy Chief Minister.
As a minister, he has set world records by organizing Grama Sabha (village council) meetings across thousands of villages in a single day and has spearheaded development projects focusing on rural upliftment. Despite his political commitments, Kalyan has balanced his career by acting in films such as "Gopala Gopala," "Jalsa," "Gabbar Singh," "Attarintiki Daredi," and "Vakeel Saab," the latter marking his return after a hiatus.
Pawan Kalyan is also noted for his philanthropic work, including establishing the charity Common Man Protection Force in 2007, championing social causes, and supporting individuals in need. His martial arts skills, public charisma, and dedication to politics and acting make him a distinctive figure in Telugu cinema and Andhra Pradesh politics.