Hyderabad: Megastar Chiranjeevi was deeply moved by the heartfelt birthday tribute shared by his younger brother and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, saying that the actor-politician’s words took him back to some of the most precious chapters of their lives.
Chiranjeevi, who celebrated his birthday on Saturday, responded to Pawan Kalyan’s emotional post on X and said he felt deeply touched by the memories his younger brother had recalled from their childhood and early years.
“My dear Kalyan Babu, Your words took me back to the most precious chapters of our lives and left me deeply emotional. What you remember as my love and sacrifice was simply my responsibility and affection as your Annayya (elder brother),” Chiranjeevi wrote.
He went on to praise Pawan Kalyan for his public life and commitment, saying he was proud to see the courage and dedication his younger brother has shown.
“Today, seeing your unwavering courage, commitment to the people and love for our Bharat, I feel immensely proud. You have become a source of strength and inspiration to millions,” he said.
Chiranjeevi also turned the compliment around, saying that although Pawan Kalyan considers him a hero, his younger brother’s determination and selfless journey have inspired him as well.
“You call me your Hero, but your determination, honesty and selfless journey have inspired me in countless ways too. Thank you for this beautiful gift of memories, Kalyan Babu. Your love is one of the greatest blessings of my life,” he added.
Pawan Kalyan had earlier shared a detailed and emotional account of his relationship with Chiranjeevi on Instagram, describing his elder brother as his hero long before Chiranjeevi became a celebrated film star.
Recalling their childhood, Pawan Kalyan said Chiranjeevi had left home to pursue his college education in Narsapur, and his return during summer holidays would turn into a festive occasion for the family. His departure, he recalled, would leave the house feeling unusually quiet.
Pawan Kalyan also remembered the pride he felt while simply walking beside his elder brother during his school days. He recalled seeing Chiranjeevi riding their father’s Bullet motorcycle, dressed as a fit NCC cadet with long curly hair, bell-bottom trousers and glasses.
“My Annaya was always a Hero for me even before he became a Hero,” Pawan Kalyan wrote.
He also revisited memories from Chiranjeevi’s early years in the film industry. On returning from his first trip to Singapore, Chiranjeevi brought home a large blue bag filled with gifts, including a Lego helicopter, remote-controlled cars, a racing track, comics, music tapes, a tape recorder, perfumes, soaps and other items for the family.
For Pawan Kalyan, those gifts represented more than material possessions. He said his elder brother had a special ability to bring happiness and excitement into their home.
Another emotional memory involved Chiranjeevi’s marriage. Pawan Kalyan recalled being afraid that his brother would become distant after getting married and said he had secretly cried over the thought. Chiranjeevi and his wife, he recalled, discovered the reason for his tears and comforted him.
Pawan Kalyan later stayed with Chiranjeevi and his wife in Chennai, where he said he experienced firsthand the sacrifices his elder brother was making while building his film career.
He recalled Chiranjeevi returning home late at night after exhausting 18-hour shooting schedules in Chennai’s heat and humidity, often still wearing sweat-soaked costumes and shoes. Despite witnessing his brother’s struggles, Pawan Kalyan said Chiranjeevi never made him feel guilty about his own academic setbacks or lack of direction at the time.
He further described Chiranjeevi as a technology enthusiast with an impressive knowledge of medicine and said his elder brother had never allowed professional success to make him complacent.
Pawan Kalyan also referred to Chiranjeevi’s ability to return to work and training after a major spinal operation, portraying him as someone driven by an almost unstoppable determination.
The birthday exchange offered a rare glimpse into the personal bond between two of Telugu cinema’s most recognisable figures. Beyond their public identities, their messages highlighted a relationship shaped by childhood memories, family responsibilities, sacrifice and mutual admiration.
While Chiranjeevi has remained one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars, Pawan Kalyan has built a parallel public career in politics and currently serves as Andhra Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister. Their birthday messages showed that despite their vastly different professional journeys, the bond between the two brothers remains rooted in the experiences they shared long before either became a public figure.
Pawan Kalyan concluded his tribute by wishing Chiranjeevi good health, strength and continued success, describing his elder brother’s life as an inspiration for millions.
With inputs from IANS