First, the country’s third highest civilian award, then the marriage of his daughter, then his film Stalin is declared a blockbuster and now Andhra University has announced an honorary doctorate for him. And all this in one year. 2006 has truly been Chiranjeevi’s year. At a press meet arranged at the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust, soon after the announcement of the doctorate to be given to him, on November 6th, a beaming Chiranjeevi spoke to the media.
Q: First the Padma Bhushan and now the Doctorate. Looks like the government is finally recognizing your services to the society.
A: Firstly I just want to share my happiness. 2006 has been a really memorable year for me. First the central government honored me with the Padma Bhushan and now this honorary doctorate from the state university. I am very happy. There is that saying in Telugu right “Inta Gelichi Raccha Gelavali” I think the opposite happened in my case. It is a very elevating feeling to be receiving an honor from my home ground. But I don’t know whether they are conferring this doctorate for my social services or for my 28 years of service in the film Industry.
Q: So what would you want people to call you now, Megastar Chiranjeevi, Padma Bhushan Chiranjeevi
or Dr. Chiranjeevi?
A: My kids asked me the same thing a few minutes ago (Laughs). All those are just respective adjectives attributed to me by my well wishers. But I want my fans to call and consider me as ‘Mana Chiranjeevi’. It is important to me that they consider me as one of them.
Q: Are you going to expand your social services then?
A: Through CCT(Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust) I am already involved in Blood and Eye donation services. Apart from that I am one of the board of directors for Naandi Foundation that works towards development of the rural areas in AP. I will also be participating in HIV/AIDS awareness programs and then I want to work towards my dream of providing portable water to every village in our state.
Q: Private charitable organizations have their limitation despite their finances. Any plans to join politics to further your services?
A: No. I have no such plans. I am happy with the kind and amount of charitable work that I am doing.
Q: Are you planning to do the Telugu remake of Lage Raho Munnabhai?
A: I saw the movie and I would love to do the Telugu remake of Lage Raho provided that the price of the remake rights is reasonable. Because the remake rights in all the South Indian languages were bought at really high prices. But after I voiced my opinion on the enormous rates the makers have decided to reduce the price. So let’s see what happens. Many of films were message oriented. And me being an ardent believer and follower of Gandhian views I would love to do a film that preaches Gandhism.
