Chiranjeevi named Indian Film Personality of the Year at IFFI 2022, PM Modi lauds actor's diverse acting skills

The 53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) on Sunday honoured Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi with the Indian Film Personality of the Year Award.

The Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur announced the news at the IFFI opening ceremony. Praising the actor, the I&B Minister said that Chiranjeevi has had an illustrious career spanning almost four decades.

"He is immensely popular in Telegu cinema with incredible performances touching hearts," his post read.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated the superstar on being honoured with the Indian Film Personality of the Year award.

In his two-series tweet, PM Modi lauded the 67-year-old for his diverse roles and wonderful nature that have made him popular across generations.

"Chiranjeevi Garu is remarkable. His rich work, diverse roles and wonderful nature have endeared him to film lovers across generations. Congratulations to him on being conferred the Indian Film Personality of the Year at IFFI Goa," Modi's tweet read.


In his more than 40-year-long career, Chiranjeevi has starred in more than 150 feature films in Telugu, as well as some in Hindi, Tamil and Kannada.

One of the most prominent artists in Telugu cinema, the veteran actor is known for his zestful dance performances and powerful fight sequences in films such as 'Gharana Mogudu', 'Khaidi', 'Indra', and 'Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy', among others.

Chiranjeevi also tried his hand at politics. In 2008, he founded the Praja Rajyam Party and went on to become an MLA. Later, he merged his political party with the Indian National Congress and became a Rajya Sabha member.

He served as the Minister of Culture & Tourism of India from October 2012 to May 2014.

The 67-year-old actor was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian award, in 2006 for his contribution to Indian cinema.

Chiranjeevi was last seen on the big screen in this year's action blockbuster 'Godfather', which also featured superstar Salman Khan in a special appearance.