Megastar Chiranjeevi was the Chief Guest at the American Progressive Telugu Association’s (APTA) Global Business Conference Katalyst held in Hyderabad on Sunday (January 5, 2025). But what fascinated everyone was his inspiring speech. Chiranjeevi shared valuable insights from his remarkable journey in films. His message enriched the budding entrepreneurs, offering them lessons drawn from his incredible career and personal experiences.
Speaking at the event, Chiranjeevi stated that he feels like being among family members when attending such events. Adding that he could feel the warmth and love for him, Telugu community, and the country, he expressed gratitude for the overwhelming welcome.
“Coming all the way from the US and hosting an event of this magnitude in Hyderabad takes immense courage. I appreciate the efforts of the organizing committee for arranging this wonderful event to support budding entrepreneurs and help them expand their networks.”
Chiranjeevi recalled that when he was invited to the event, he wasn’t sure what to talk about entrepreneurship. But in hindsight, he realized his journey from ‘nowhere to somewhere’ was driven by leadership and entrepreneurial qualities that were always within him – waiting to be discovered. “I believe that sharing my story of success and the challenges would inspire many. I presume my learnings can foster your business and entrepreneurship,” he added.
FYI: LIVE link: https://www.youtube.com/live/6Dx6PkoA9Zc?si=kPFPTFw0lvXLX1PC
Stating that he comes from a humble middle-class family, Chiranjeevi reminisced his initial days when he was fascinated with sports – ball badminton, volleyball, and cricket. “But I had to give them up due to injuries,” he shares, adding that he joined NCC (in the first year of B.Com.) believing it would instill discipline in him.
Over the next two years, Chiranjeevi advanced to Petty Officer, Cadet Captain, Senior Cadet Captain and also participated in the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi alongside the Indian Army, in front of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the President. “That was a high point in my life, but soon after, I was left wondering—what next?”
The actor then explained how he entered showbiz. During his college days, Chiranjeevi acted in a play, “Raajeenama,” which earned him “Best Actor” award and recognition. Later, when he joined the film institute in Chennai (then Madras) and looking for opportunities, he found other aspirants to be unwelcoming
“Their words would weigh heavily on me, and I would often feel low. But I turned to my favourite god, Anjaneya Swamy. I continued my prayers without losing focus and the prayers made me stay away from all the negativity. It gave me inner strength and made me more determined and optimistic. If we stay focused on our goals, work hard, and persevere, success will inevitably follow.”
Chiranjeevi recalled that his journey was also filled with rejection and insults, but he never let them affect him. “Instead, I turned those challenges into weapons that fueled my drive to excel in my career. I overcame the negative forces and went to greater heights,” he states, accentuating that the initial focus should not be on money but to establish oneself in the industry and achieve goals. “People who doubted or mistreated me eventually returned back to me with opportunities.”
According to Chiranjeevi, behaviour towards producers is as important as talent. Remembering that his relationship with producers helped him fill the gap after NT Ramarao exited films, he pointed out that it was people who recognized his integrity much before the film industry did.
Connecting his career with the factors that help a budding entrepreneur, Chiranjeevi stated that before coming to the event he researched about entrepreneurship. The first thing he realised was that one needs to be passionate. “After NCC, I realized acting was my true passion. Then I took calculated risks by balancing film institute during the day and studying at the ICWI institute at night. After I became confident, I quit ICWI and have set clear and realistic goals.”
He worked hard to master skills like dance, acting, and action sequences. Working on multiple genre films like ‘Khaidi’, ‘Mantrigari Viyyankudu’, ‘Shubhalekha’ and ‘Chantabbai’, among many were a testament to how he evolved as an actor. “Collaborations with top filmmakers like K Raghavendra Rao garu, comedy hits with Kodandarami Reddy, and faction films with B. Gopal showcased my versatility and brought me closer to the audiences.”
Continuous learning, building a network, and market research are crucial for growth, Chiranjeevi points out. “My network has always been my fans and admirers, who are my greatest strength. I’ve channelled their energy toward social causes like blood donation, a practice they’ve upheld for 25 years. APTA too has organized blood donation camps in my name,” he added.
On a concluding note, Chiranjeevi exuded confidence that his pep talk would inspire everyone to nurture their careers. “It would bring me immense joy to see each one of you achieve greater heights, inspired by this interaction. That would be my greatest reward.”
