Konidela Pawan Kalyan (born Konidela Kalyan Babu; 2 September 1968 or 1971) is an Indian actor, politician, filmmaker, martial artist, and philanthropist who works in Telugu cinema. Known for his unique acting style and mannerisms, he has a large fan base and a cult following. One of the highest-paid actors of Indian cinema, he has been featured in Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list since 2013 and is the recipient of a Filmfare Award, a SIIMA Award, a CineMAA Award, and a Santosham Film Award. He is also the founder of the Jana Sena Party.Kalyan made his acting debut in the 1996 film Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi but rose to prominence with the dramas Gokulamlo Seeta (1997) and Suswagatham (1998). He achieved stardom for his performance in Tholi Prema (1998), which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu that year. Kalyan established himself as a leading actor with successful projects such as Thammudu (1999), Badri (2000), Kushi (2001), Balu (2005), Jalsa (2008), Gabbar Singh (2012), Attarintiki Daredi (2013), Gopala Gopala (2015), Vakeel Saab (2021), and Bheemla Nayak (2022). He received the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu for Gabbar Singh while Attarintiki Daredi held the record of being the highest-grossing Telugu film of all time. In addition to acting, he produces films under the banners Anjana Productions and Pawan Kalyan Creative Works.In 2008, Kalyan entered into politics as the youth wing president of his brother Chiranjeevi's Praja Rajyam Party, but he left after it merged into the Congress party. He founded the Jana Sena Party in March 2014 and was listed as the most searched Indian celebrity politician on Google at the time. Kalyan is a known philanthropist and is the founder of the Andhra Pradesh charity Common Man Protection Force. He is a black belt in Karate and trains in various martial arts which he depicts in his films regularly. Kalyan is referred to as Power Star by his fans and in the media.

Early life and family

Kalyan was born on 2 September 1971 in a Telugu family to Konidela Venkata Rao and Anjana Devi in Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh. He is the younger brother of Chiranjeevi and Nagendra Babu. He was awarded "Pawan" during one of his public martial arts presentations. He holds a black belt in karate. He is also the uncle of actors Ram Charan, Varun Tej, Sai Dharam Tej and Allu Arjun.

Acting career

Kalyan made his acting debut in 1996 with ''Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi''. His second film ''Gokulamlo Seeta'' released the following year. He next appeared in A. Karunakaran-directed ''Tholi Prema'' (1999) which won the National Award and six Nandi Awards that year. After ''Tholi Prema'', Kalyan acted in ''Thammudu'', playing the role of a kick boxer. ''Thammudu'' was released on 15 July 1999 and was written and directed by P. A. Arun Prasad. On 20 April 2000, he acted in Puri Jagannadh's first directorial venture, ''Badri''. Produced by T. Trivikrama Rao and music composed by Ramana Gogula.In 2001, he acted in the film ''Kushi''. The film was released on 27 April 2001 and was directed by S. J. Suryah, which became a huge blockbuster that year. After ''Tholi Prema'', Kalyan acted in ''Thammudu'', playing the role of a kick boxer. ''Thammudu'' was released on 15 July 1999 and was written and directed by P. A. Arun Prasad. On 20 April 2000, he acted in Puri Jagannadh's first directorial venture, ''Badri''. Produced by T. Trivikrama Rao and music composed by Ramana Gogula.In 2001, he acted in the film ''Kushi''. The film was released on 27 April 2001 and was directed by S. J. Suryah, which became a huge blockbuster that year. In 2001, he was the brand ambassador for Pepsi at the time his brother Chiranjeevi was promoting Coca-Cola. His next film ''Johnny'', written and directed by himself, released on 26 April 2003. Kalyan also starred in the film, along with Renu Desai, produced by Allu Aravind, and music composed by Ramana Gogula.In 2004, his film ''Gudumba Shankar'' was released. The film was directed by Veera Shankar and produced by Kalyan's brother Nagendra Babu under Anjana Productions banner. The film's script and screenplay were written by Kalyan and he also choreographed three songs in this film and action scenes were conceived and choreographed by him. In 2005, the film ''Balu'', directed by A. Karunakaran was released. This was Karunakaran's second film with Kalyan after ''Tholi Prema''. This film was produced by C. Ashwini Dutt under Vyjayanthi Movies banner.In 2006, ''Bangaram'', directed by Tamil director Dharani was released. During March 2006, Kalyan launched his second directorial venture ''Satyagrahi'', produced by A. M. Rathnam, which would be a tale questioning the atrocities in society. After spending a few months on pre-production by signing with P. C. Sreeram and A. R. Rahman, the film was later suddenly shelved. His next film ''Johnny'', written and directed by himself, released on 26 April 2003. Kalyan also starred in the film, along with Renu Desai, produced by Allu Aravind, and music composed by Ramana Gogula.In 2004, his film ''Gudumba Shankar'' was released. The film was directed by Veera Shankar and produced by Kalyan's brother Nagendra Babu under Anjana Productions banner. The film's script and screenplay were written by Kalyan and he also choreographed three songs in this film and action scenes were conceived and choreographed by him. In 2005, the film ''Balu'', directed by A. Karunakaran was released. This was Karunakaran's second film with Kalyan after ''Tholi Prema''. This film was produced by C. Ashwini Dutt under Vyjayanthi Movies banner.In 2006, ''Bangaram'', directed by Tamil director Dharani was released. During March 2006, Kalyan launched his second directorial venture ''Satyagrahi'', produced by A. M. Rathnam, which would be a tale questioning the atrocities in society. After spending a few months on pre-production by signing with P. C. Sreeram and A. R. Rahman, the film was later suddenly shelved. His next film ''Johnny'', written and directed by himself, released on 26 April 2003. Kalyan also starred in the film, along with Renu Desai, produced by Allu Aravind, and music composed by Ramana Gogula.In 2004, his film ''Gudumba Shankar'' was released. The film was directed by Veera Shankar and produced by Kalyan's brother Nagendra Babu under Anjana Productions banner. The film's script and screenplay were written by Kalyan and he also choreographed three songs in this film and action scenes were conceived and choreographed by him. In 2005, the film ''Balu'', directed by A. Karunakaran was released. This was Karunakaran's second film with Kalyan after ''Tholi Prema''. This film was produced by C. Ashwini Dutt under Vyjayanthi Movies banner.In 2006, ''Bangaram'', directed by Tamil director Dharani was released. During March 2006, Kalyan launched his second directorial venture ''Satyagrahi'', produced by A. M. Rathnam, which would be a tale questioning the atrocities in society. After spending a few months on pre-production by signing with P. C. Sreeram and A. R. Rahman, the film was later suddenly shelved. Later that year, he appeared in ''Annavaram'', directed by Bhimaneni Srinivasa Rao. Asin, and Sandhya were cast alongside Kalyan in the film and the film was produced under Super Good Films. The film was released on 29 December 2006 and collected in 3 weeks and in 70 Days. The film was a remake of the Tamil film ''Thirupaachi''. Kalyan also choreographed the song "Neevalle Neevalle" in this film.In 2008, ''Jalsa'', directed by Trivikram Srinivas and produced by Allu Aravind was released on 2 April. This film got the highest first-day collection in Telugu film history and was also the first for any regional film in south India in a single state by that time. The film was a remake of the Tamil film ''Thirupaachi''. Kalyan also choreographed the song "Neevalle Neevalle" in this film.In 2008, ''Jalsa'', directed by Trivikram Srinivas and produced by Allu Aravind was released on 2 April. This film got the highest first-day collection in Telugu film history and was also the first for any regional film in south India in a single state by that time. ''Jalsa'' turned out to be the highest grosser of 2008 in Telugu cinema. ''Puli'' was written and directed by S. J. Suryah and released in 2010. An official announcement was made in the same year that Kalyan was going to play a small role in a movie about Jesus Christ directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. In 2011, he appeared in ''Teen Maar'', a remake of ''Love Aaj Kal'', directed by Jayanth C. Paranjee. He also appeared in Vishnuvardhan's gangster film ''Panjaa''.In 2012, he appeared in ''Gabbar Singh'', a remake of ''Dabangg'', directed by Harish Shankar. The film successfully completed 100 days and stood as the second highest-grossing Telugu film at that time. After this film, he worked in Puri Jagannadh's ''Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu''.In 2013, he appeared in Trivikram Srinivas's ''Attarintiki Daredi''. The film, released on 27 September 2013, faced problems with piracy as half of the movie was leaked to the internet prior to its release. After this film, he worked in Puri Jagannadh's ''Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu''.In 2013, he appeared in Trivikram Srinivas's ''Attarintiki Daredi''. The film, released on 27 September 2013, faced problems with piracy as half of the movie was leaked to the internet prior to its release. In spite of this the movie was a blockbuster in 2013. The movie completed 100 days in 33 theaters and held the record of the highest-grossing film in Tollywood by that time, surpassing the previous record of ''Magadheera''. Later, it was surpassed by ''Baahubali: The Beginning''.In 2014, a Star India survey ranked Kalyan as one of the Top 5 Heroes of India. Later, it was surpassed by ''Baahubali: The Beginning''.In 2014, a Star India survey ranked Kalyan as one of the Top 5 Heroes of India. In 2015, he appeared in ''Gopala Gopala'', a Telugu remake of ''OMG – Oh My God!''. The film featured Kalyan starring alongside Venkatesh and was directed by Kishore Kumar Pardasani. In 2016, Kalyan's ''Sardaar Gabbar Singh'', a sequel to his 2012 film ''Gabbar Singh'' received poor reviews from critics. Katamarayudu (2017), a remake of Tamil film Veeram marked his second collaboration with Kishore Kumar Pardasani. In 2018, he appeared in the film ''Agnyaathavaasi'' directed by Trivikram Srinivas. This marked Kalyan's 25th film.In 2021, he made a comeback to films by appearing in ''Vakeel Saab'', directed by Venu Sriram. He announced ''Hari Hara Veera Mallu'', which is being directed by Krish Jagarlamudi. The shooting of the film has currently been on hold for almost 2 years, owing to Kalyan's political commitments. Mythri Movie Makers also announced ''Ustaad Bhagat Singh'' with Kalyan, under the direction of Harish Shankar. Katamarayudu (2017), a remake of Tamil film Veeram marked his second collaboration with Kishore Kumar Pardasani. In 2018, he appeared in the film ''Agnyaathavaasi'' directed by Trivikram Srinivas. This marked Kalyan's 25th film.In 2021, he made a comeback to films by appearing in ''Vakeel Saab'', directed by Venu Sriram. He announced ''Hari Hara Veera Mallu'', which is being directed by Krish Jagarlamudi. The shooting of the film has currently been on hold for almost 2 years, owing to Kalyan's political commitments. Mythri Movie Makers also announced ''Ustaad Bhagat Singh'' with Kalyan, under the direction of Harish Shankar. He also acted in the remake of ''Vinodhaya Sitham'', ''Bro'', with Sai Dharam Tej, under the direction of Samuthirakani, who also directed the original film. Another film, ''They Call Him OG'', was subsequently announced with Sujeeth as the director and to be produced by D. V. V. Danayya.

Political career

Kalyan started his political career in 2008 as the president of Yuvarajyam, the youth wing of Praja Rajyam Party which was started by his elder brother Chiranjeevi. He neither contested in elections nor did he hold any constitutional post during his days in Praja Rajyam Party. While he actively campaigned for the party, he was also hit with few health problems. Kalyan was struck with bouts of vomiting, as he was hit by a sunstroke during a roadshow at Vizag on 19 April 2009. Later, in 2011, when Chiranjeevi merged his party with Congress, Kalyan took a break from political life, expressing his silent discontent with his brother's decision to merge the party, and started a new political party in 2014 called Jana Sena Party.Kalyan founded a political party named Jana Sena Party on 14 March 2014. He wrote a book titled ''Ism'' which is also the ideology of the Jana Sena party. He met with then BJP Prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi to discuss the issues related to both the Telugu states and extended his support. He campaigned extensively for the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and BJP alliance in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. He opposed Congress party's rule stating the slogan ''Congress Hatao, Desh Bachao'' ( in Hindi). His rallies drew what the ''Deccan-Journal'' called "huge crowds" in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. In August 2017, he announced that he intended to enter full-time politics starting October 2017 once he completes his film commitments.He brought the Uddanam kidney disease crisis to the attention of media and politicians through protests and a hunger strike. Government of Andhra Pradesh responded by constructing dialysis centers and implementing various schemes for the village. In November 2016, Kalyan announced that Jana Sena will contest in the 2019 general elections in Andhra Pradesh. He stated that he was planning to contest from all 175 legislatures of Andhra Pradesh without any alliance. He opposed central government's move to privatise Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) on a golden platter. Kalyan led a protest march to condolence farmers who committed suicides or migrated from the drought-prone regions of Rayalaseema. He opposed the TDP Government's decision on land pooling. Kalyan conducted a march on the historical Dowleswaram Barrage in Rajahmundry demanding political accountability. He exposed the alleged unchecked mining in the reserve forest area at Vanthada village of Prathipadu in East Godavari district.Kalyan has announced the Jana Sena party's 2019 election manifesto at Rajahmundry public meeting with many measures to improve the lives of farmers, farm labourers, women, youth, and students. His party would contest together with left parties Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Bahujan Samaj Party for the upcoming 2019 elections in both Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. At the same time, when he was actively campaigning for the elections all around Andhra Pradesh, he fell sick and shared a few health problems. As he was getting ready for his next round of campaign at Sattenapalle, he felt dizzy and nauseated. When the chopper was down for refilling at Gannavaram airport, he was down with vomiting, dehydration, and drowsiness. Immediately then, he was hospitalized and treated in Vijayawada. Again the campaign resumed after he got well.The Jana Sena Party has contested 140 constituencies in the 2019 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections. Kalyan has contested two constituencies – Gajuwaka and Bhimavaram. He has lost in both to candidates from YSR Congress Party. His party was able to win from Razole, making it the only seat it has won in the election.Later the same year, on 3 November 2019, Kalyan led a long march in Visakhapatnam in support of construction workers against YSR Congress Party governance who have been facing unemployment due to shortage of supply of sand in Andhra Pradesh.On 16 January 2020, Kalyan has announced his party's alliance with BJP, after three years of distancing from it. Both the parties would fight together in the upcoming elections in 2024. On 12 February 2020, he led a rally for justice to Sugali Preethi, a 15-year-old girl who was brutally raped and murdered, in Kurnool. He demanded an inquiry by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the incident.

Social works

On 27 July 2013, he donated ₹100,000 (equivalent to ₹140,000 or US$1,900 in 2019) to Jesus Old Age Home at Pandurangapuram in Khammam district in Telangana.
Pawan donated ₹2 million (equivalent to ₹2.6 million or US$36,000 in 2019) for Uttarakhand flood victims.
Kalyan donated ₹5 million (US$70,000) to Chief Minister's Relief Fund for Cyclone Hudhud in the North coastal region of Andhra Pradesh.
Kalyan helped a biker, Gota Satish Kumar with ₹500,000 (US$7,000) who lost his legs in an accident.
Kalyan donated ₹100,000 (US$1,400) to differently-abled T20 Cricket tournament and ₹100,000 (equivalent to ₹110,000 or US$1,500 in 2019) for each team.
On 10 April 2018 he announced that he would give a ₹1 million (equivalent to ₹1.1 million or US$15,000 in 2019) cheque to Sri Venkata Rahul Ragala for achieving Gold Medal in Common Wealth Games & making our Mother land "Bharath" Proud.
Kalyan donated ₹10 million (US$140,000) to Kendriya Sainik Board for the welfare our soldiers families on the eve of Armed Forces Flag Day(7 Dec) on 6 December 2019.
Kalyan donates to combat COVID-19 spread. Rs.10 million to the Prime Minster's relief fund for the coronavirus crisis and ₹5 million (US$70,000) each to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana government.

Other works

* In April 2001, soft-drink giant Pepsi, announced him as its brand ambassador, making him the first South Indian to endorse the popular soft-drink.* In January 2017, Kalyan agreed to take up the role of the brand ambassador for hand loom weavers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.* In August 2017, Kalyan was asked to be the brand ambassador to JEEVAN DAAN, an initiative started for organ donation by government of Andhra Pradesh.Kalyan was invited to Harvard University to deliver a speech in 14th edition of India Conference 2017 along with R. Madhavan.

Brand endorsements

* In April 2001, soft-drink giant Pepsi, announced him as its brand ambassador, making him the first South Indian to endorse the popular soft-drink.* In January 2017, Kalyan agreed to take up the role of the brand ambassador for hand loom weavers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.* In August 2017, Kalyan was asked to be the brand ambassador to JEEVAN DAAN, an initiative started for organ donation by government of Andhra Pradesh.

Personal life

Kalyan married Nandini in 1997, one year after his film debut. In 2001, Kalyan started to be in a live-in relationship with his co-star Renu Desai and their son Akira Nandan was born in 2004. In June 2007, Nandini filed a bigamy case on Kalyan alleging that he remarried without divorcing her. Kalyan responded by stating that he had not married Desai and a magistrate court in Visakhapatnam cleared him of the charge due to lack of evidence. Subsequently, in July 2007, Kalyan filed for divorce at a family court in Visakhapatnam claiming that Nandini deserted him immediately after their marriage, which was denied by her lawyer. In August 2008, their divorce was formalized with an alimony of 5 crore paid by Kalyan as a one-time settlement.In 2009, Kalyan married Desai after eight years of live-in companionship. Their daughter Aadya was born in 2010. The couple parted ways in 2012 with a formal divorce. In an interview in 2018, Desai claimed that Kalyan "insisted on a divorce in spite of her initial protests." She added that Kalyan denied her request of making a public statement about their divorce.Kalyan met his third wife, Anna Lezhneva, a Russian citizen during the shoot of ''Teen Maar'' (2011). They married in September 2013 under Special Marriage Act at a Sub-Registrar Office in Hyderabad. The couple has a daughter Polena Anjana Pawanova and a son Mark Shankar Pawanovich.Outside of work, Kalyan is a black belt in Karate who trains in various martial arts and is an avid reader.