South Indian Cinema Icons Celebrate Chiranjeevi's Padma Vibhushan Award

Mumbai: An outpouring of congratulations filled social media Friday as news spread of veteran actor Chiranjeevi's prestigious Padma Vibhushan honor. NTR Jr, Rajamouli, Allu Arjun, and other prominent figures in South Indian cinema showered the megastar with heartfelt wishes on his receipt of the second-highest civilian award in India.

NTR Jr., co-star in the blockbuster "RRR," shared his joy on X (formerly Twitter): "Congratulations to @MVenkaiahNaidu Garu and @KChiruTweets Garu on receiving the Padma Vibhushan! Also, congratulations to all the recipients of Padma Awards. May your remarkable achievement inspire generations to come..."

Director SS Rajamouli, who helmed "RRR," expressed his admiration on X: "From nowhere, a boy who laid the first stone for Punadhirallu to becoming the recipient of the second-highest civilian award in India... Your journey inspires generations Chiranjeevi Garu. Congratulations on receiving the Padma Vibhushan. @KChiruTweets"

Allu Arjun, another top South Indian actor, couldn't contain his pride: "Congratulations to our megastar @KChiruTweets garu for the prestigious honour of Padma Vibhushan . What an honour for the family , fans & telugu people . I feel so elated & honoured by this achievement . Thank you for making us all soo proud."

Chiranjeevi is not alone in receiving the Padma Vibhushan this year. Actor and dancer Vyajayantimala Bali and dancer Padma Subrahmanyam will also be bestowed with the esteemed award.

Expressing his gratitude in a video, Chiranjeevi conveyed his overwhelming joy: "After hearing this news, I became speechless. I'm really overwhelmed. I am humbled and grateful for this honour. It's only the unconditional and invaluable love of the people, audiences, fans, my blood brothers and blood sisters that allowed me to reach here. I owe my life and this moment to you. I always try to express my gratitude in ways that I can, though I know I can never do enough."

Chiranjeevi's career spans multiple languages and decades, with iconic films like "Vijetha," "Indra," "Shankar Dada M.B.B.S.," and the recent "Bholaa Shankar" solidifying his status as a South Indian cinema legend. The Padma Vibhushan award serves as a fitting recognition of his exceptional contributions to the performing arts and his enduring impact on Indian cinema.