Published By: Sayan Paul

Happy Birthday, Chiranjeevi: The First South Indian Actor to be Invited to the Oscars - Did You Know?

In 1987, Chiranjeevi was invited as the Guest of Honor at the prestigious Academy Awards.

During the 1980s, Chiranjeevi reached heights Telugu cinema had never seen before. He was the undisputed star whose very name could guarantee a blockbuster. At one point, his remuneration even exceeded that of Amitabh Bachchan, a feat unheard of for a regional actor in those days. And his popularity wasn’t confined to Andhra Pradesh, as it spilled over across India and even beyond. Crowds thronged theatres, while his dances set trends and his screen presence kept audiences worldwide hooked. So when he became the first South Indian actor to be invited to the Oscars, it wasn’t really a surprise to his fans. It was simply the world recognizing the phenomenon he had already become.

So today, on the actor's 70th birthday, let's revisit when he became the first South Indian actor to be invited to the Oscars.

Chiranjeevi at the 1987 Oscars

In 1987, Chiranjeevi was invited to the Academy Awards as a Guest of Honour, making history as the first South Indian actor ever to achieve the feat. While detailed records of his official itinerary, such as whether he walked the red carpet, participated in panels, or attended specific after-parties, remain scarce today, this invitation alone was a powerful symbol of his global appeal.

Being made a “Guest of Honour” at the Academy Awards signified that Chiranjeevi’s fame had crossed regional boundaries and resonated with a global audience. And this rare acknowledgment spoke volumes about Tollywood’s growing influence in the global cinema landscape.

Also, his presence elevated South Indian cinema on the world stage. Before global fandom for Indian films took off, Chiranjeevi's attendance sent a clear message that regional stars could stand alongside international icons.

When His Son, Ram Charan, Walked the Oscars Stage

Interestingly, decades later, Chiranjeevi's son Ram Charan would also walk the Oscars stage with the ‘RRR’ team. When the film won the award for Best Original Song for “Naatu Naatu,” Chiranjeevi took to social media to express his pride. He praised composer MM Keeravaani, lyricist Chandrabose, singers Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava, and choreographer Prem Rakshith, while lauding NTR Jr. and Ram Charan for their electrifying performance. Giving special credit to director SS Rajamouli, he wrote that the filmmaker had made every Indian proud.

(Credit: RVCJ Movies)

Some Other Interesting Facts to Know

For the 1992 film 'Aapadbandhavudu', Chiranjeevi commanded a remarkable fee of Rs 1.25 crore, making him the first Indian actor to earn over Rs 1 crore for a single movie. This milestone placed him ahead of even Amitabh Bachchan, who was charging around Rs 1 crore per film during that era, and cemented his status as the highest-paid actor in India in the early ’90s.

Over his illustrious career, Chiranjeevi has been honoured with numerous prestigious awards. In 2006, he received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, along with an Honorary Doctorate from Andhra University. In 2014, he was named the “International Face of Indian Cinema” at the 3rd South Indian International Movie Awards by Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor. He is also a nine-time recipient of the Filmfare Awards South and has won the Nandi Award three times.

(Credit: President of India)

In 2013, a prominent media outlet recognised him as one of the “men who changed the face of Indian cinema.”

Happy Birthday, Chiranjeevi!