The presentation of a “Lifetime Achievement Award” to Megastar Chiranjeevi in London has sparked controversy on social media, following reports that the organisers collected donations from attendees. This has led people to dig deeper into the identity of the organisation behind the award.
Although it was initially projected as an honour bestowed by the UK government, the award was, in fact, presented by Bridge India, a London-based charity organisation with no official affiliation to the British government.
According to its Facebook page, Bridge India describes itself as a progressive non-profit think tank dedicated to discourse on public policy. Its office is located at EPG, The Office Group, 2 Stephen Street, London.
The organisation has a modest following of just around 1,600 people — offering some perspective on its reach and recognition.
So, how did Chiranjeevi come to accept the invitation?
Apparently, he too was misled by representatives of Bridge India, who reportedly told him that the event would be held at the House of Commons in London, and that the award would be presented by Member of Parliament Navendu Mishra.
They claimed the honour would take place in the presence of MPs, Lords, diplomats, and prominent leaders from the Indian community.
Judging by its social media presence, Bridge India appears to be a relatively new organisation. It claimed that this was the first time it was presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Interestingly, the same organisation had conducted another event on March 17 featuring social activist Kancha Ilaiah, also within the premises of the UK Parliament.
However, just because an event is held in a hall within the Parliament building does not make it an official recognition or endorsement by the UK Parliament.
Investigations revealed that the UK Parliament allows individuals and organisations to rent rooms for private events. The rental charges range from £180 per hour to £4,500 per day, and these spaces are available to anyone for such purposes.
In Chiranjeevi’s case as well, Bridge India simply rented a room within the British Parliament building to hold the felicitation.
It is possible that Chiranjeevi himself was unaware of the full context until he arrived at the venue. However, his fans widely circulated the event on social media, claiming that he was being honoured by the UK government.
“If it had truly been an official award presented by the British government, Chiranjeevi’s entire family would have been present at the Parliament event,” sources remarked.
