Chiranjeevi was bestowed with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan Award on Thursday, January 24, joining the distinguished list of five individuals recognized for their exceptional and distinguished service. The Padma Vibhushan stands as the second-highest civilian honor, highlighting Chiranjeevi’s remarkable contributions.
The announcement garnered positive reactions from many, including director Ram Gopal Varma, who, despite expressing joy for the veteran actor, introduced a note of complexity into the celebration. Taking to the microblogging site X (formerly Twitter), Varma remarked, “I never heard of Shri Padma Subrahmanyam or Shri Bindeshwar Pathak and so to put them in the same position as Mega star, I am not at all thrilled with the award, but if @chirutweets gaaru is happy I will also pretend to be happy.”
This statement drew criticism from some netizens, urging Varma to broaden his knowledge and perspective. One user emphasized, “You should read more about Bindeshwar Pathak,” while another suggested, “Because your knowledge is limited to a few states or regions and a few fields only.” A third person commented, “If you have not heard about Bindeshwar Pathak, then it is your problem. He is not less than a superstar or what you say Mega Star.”
In contrast, Chiranjeevi responded to the honor with a heartfelt speech, expressing being “speechless” upon learning about the accolade. He conveyed feeling “overwhelmed, humbled, and grateful,” reflecting the deep significance of this recognition in his illustrious career.
