Agencies
HYDERABAD, Aug 17: Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi on Sunday announced his formal entry into politics.
Speaking at his newly-inaugurated party office at the Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad, the actor said he would announce the name of his party on Aug 26 in the temple town of Tirupati.
As the 53-year-old reigning star of Telugu cinema gears up for his new role in politics, the question uppermost in the minds of observers is whether he can recreate the magic of NTR who had stormed to power within nine months of floating TDP in 1983, a feat that has no parallel in India's political history.
Dark and handsome, Chiru, as he is referred to in film circles, is a mass hero in the mould of late N T Rama Rao and his image is one of a kind-hearted do-gooder and a loving family man.
His admirers are hopeful that their hero will revive the magic of NTR, the demi-God of the film world, and capture power in next year's elections while some others argue that his entry will herald a coalition era in state politics and he could at best play the role of a kingmaker.
Chiranjeevi, a Padma Bhushan awardee who has acted in 148 films in his three-decade long career, is among the highest paid actors in the country and has a massive following, particularly among the youth.
His success in Tollywood, traditionally dominated by a handful of powerful families, was particularly sweet as he had no family connection in the industry and his rise was attributed to his grit, determination and hard work.