Pawan Kalyan Birthday: Power Star’s Journey From Telugu Cinema to Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM

Telugu superstar Pawan Kalyan is one of the most prominent personalities in showbiz. The actor-turned-politician enjoys a devout fanbase across India. The credit goes to his stellar performances and charismatic on-screen presence. Not to forget, his mass action entertainers are still fondly etched in the memory of the audience. Fans lovingly call him ‘Power Star’ due to his impeccable acting chops and altruistic activities. Pawan Kalyan won the Andhra Pradesh Assembly Elections in June and was appointed the Deputy Chief Minister.

On the occasion of his 56th birthday on September 2, let’s take a look at Pawan Kalyan’s journey from Telugu cinema to Deputy CM, how he attained the ‘Pawan’ title, his top films and family life.

Pawan Kalyan’s Journey

Formally known as Konidela Kalyan Babu, Pawan Kalyan made his debut in films with the 1966 action-romance Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi. Directed by EVV Satyanarayana, the film was an official remake of Aamir Khan’s Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Although Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi proved Pawan’s potential as an actor, it was his 1999 movie Tholi Prema by the director A Karunakaran that made him the star that he is now. The romantic comedy bagged six Nandi Awards and the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu.

Pawan Kalyan kickstarted his political journey in 2008. He was appointed as the President of the youth wing of Praja Rajyam Party — Yuvarajyam. In 2014, Pawan established a new political party called the Jana Sena Party (JSP).

This year in June, Pawan Kalyan contested from the Pithapuram Assembly and won the seat by defeating YSR Congress Party opponent Vanga Geetha with 70,000 votes.

How Did He Get The Title ‘Pawan’?

Pawan Kalyan was awarded the ‘Pawan’ title by the Karate Association in 1997 after he displayed his skilled martial arts presentation at a public event. ‘Pawan’ symbolised Lord Hanuman and the superstar attained the moniker for his indomitable energy and power similar to the deity. Pawan has demonstrated his martial arts strategies in several films.

Pawan Kalyan’s Top Films

1. Bheemla Nayak (2022)Helmed by Sagar K Chandra, Bheemla Nayak featured Pawan Kalyan and Rana Daggubati in lead roles. The action-thriller is the Telugu remake of the Malayalam movie Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2020). The story centres around a clash between an upright police officer and a retired army officer.
2. Vakeel Saab (2021)Directed by Veny Sriram, this Telugu legal action-thriller was the remake of the 2016 film Pink starring Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari and Andrea Tariang. Pawan Kalyan played the role of Advocate Konidela Satyade, defending the case of three women. The film touches on the topics of harassment and social prejudices against women.
3. Gopala Gopala (2015)This Kishore Kumar Pardasani directorial starred Pawan Kalyan in the role of Lord Krishna’s reincarnation aka Govinda Gopala Hari. The film, also starring Daggubati Venkatesh, was riddled with controversies owing to religious connotations. It revolves around the life of an atheist whose spiritual views change after meeting Govinda Gopala Hari.
4. Gabbar Singh (2012)Based upon Salman Khan’s police drama Dabangg, Gabbar Singh entertained the masses with its action sequences and Pawan Kalyan’s impressive acting. Directed by Harish Shankar, Gabbar Singh also starred Shruti Haasan as the female lead.
5. Kushi (2001)Kushi, directed by SJ Suryah, was a romantic drama starring Bhumika Chawla in the female role. Pawan and Bhumika’s on-screen chemistry was the major highlight of the movie.

Pawan Kalyan’s Family Life

Pawan Kalyan is the youngest brother to veteran actor Chiranjeevi and actor-producer Nagendra Babu. He is also the uncle of Ram Charan, Allu Arjun, Sai Dharam Tej, Varun Tej, Niharika and Vaisshnav Tej.

Pawan Kalyan got married to Nandini in 1997 but the duo separated in 1999. They divorced in 2008.

Pawan Kalyan found love for the second time with his Badri co-star Renu Desai. After dating for many years, they got hitched in 2009. The couple welcomed their son Akira Nanda in 2004 and became proud parents to daughter Aadya in 2010. However, Pawan and Renu divorced in 2012.

Presently, Pawan Kalyan is married to actress Anna Lezhneva whom he met while shooting for the 2011 romantic comedy Teen Maar. They tied the knot in 2013. They embraced parenthood with the birth of their daughter, Polena Anjana Pawanova and son Mark Shankar Pawanovich.