I have been closely observing the film industry, particularly actors who have risen from zeroes to heroes.
Many assume that actors born into well-established families have an easy path to success. However, this is not the case. They too face numerous challenges, financial constraints, and days of struggle that must be navigated with humility.
Contrary to popular belief, Pawan Kalyan did not lead a star-like life initially. He has been independent from a young age. I have known him intimately. His brother, Chiranjeevi, never handed him large sums of money to spend recklessly. He raised him with discipline.
Even during the days of 'Gokulamlo Seetha,' Pawan Kalyan used to approach Allu Aravind for personal financial needs, often for amounts as small as Rs 5000 or Rs 10,000. Despite being family, he always approached Aravind's office with respect and humility with folded hands.
Not only Pawan Kalyan, but even Ram Charan has shown humility and prudence. During the filming of 'Chirutha,' when Ram Charan wished to purchase a mobile phone in Bangkok, he called and consulted his father, Chiranjeevi, seeking advice on whether to buy a particular model. Chiranjeevi compared the price with that in India and advised him against the purchase, a decision Ram Charan respected.
Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan, and Ram Charan have ascended to stardom with their modest demeanor.
However, what surprised me was Pawan Kalyan's disrespectful remarks about Kannababu, referring to his humble beginnings and old scooter. Kannababu emerged from a modest background and rose to become a Minister.
I see Pawan Kalyan's erratic behavior only in political speeches. He conducts himself with decent demenour in the film industry. Politics doesn't seem to suit him, both in terms of capacity and the ability to handle it correctly. His arrogance, evident in his campaign speeches, hardly makes him a leader.
Setting that aside, I'd like to change the topic slightly to share something about Chiranjeevi also. I believe certain experiences in one's youth can shape their mindset.
During the early days of Chiranjeevi's career, director and producer Kranthi Kumar would summon him in the evenings to showcase his dancing skills. Chiranjeevi complied as he saw no alternative but to please him, who had initially encouraged him.
Although Chiranjeevi may have felt uncomfortable or slighted, as he became a megastar, he continued this practice by inviting comedians like Brahmanandam and Venu Madhav to entertain during his private gatherings. He would often tease them to amuse his guests.
Some artists who were teased by Chiranjeevi used to shed tears in private at their friends, but they felt they had no other option as they believed that saying 'no' to Chiranjeevi could mean the end of their careers.
This behavior, though not appreciated by everyone, was common among many big stars of his generation.
Personally, some of us find fault only in this aspect of Chiranjeevi. Otherwise, he is a gentleman through and through. I've never dared to share this with Chiranjeevi, despite knowing him personally. However, given the opportunity for anonymity, I feel compelled to do so here.
Every individual possesses both admirable and flawed traits, shaped by their past experiences. Some work to improve themselves, while others go with the flow without showing concern to others' feelings.
I admire and respect both Chiranjeevi and Pawan Kalyan for their many positive attributes, while also acknowledging their faults. That is all.
A Senior Film Personality
