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Pawan Kalyan
Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh since 2024 / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Konidala Pawan Kalyan[3] (born Konidala Kalyan Babu; 2 September 1971[2]) is an Indian politician, actor, action choreographer, martial artist and philanthropist, serving as the 10th Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh since June 2024. He is also the Minister of Panchayat Raj, Rural Development & Rural Water Supply; Environment, Forests, Science & Technology in the Government of Andhra Pradesh and an MLA representing the Pitapuram constituency. He is the founder and president of the Janasena Party.
Pawan Kalyan | |||||||||||||||
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![]() Pawan Kalyan in June 2024 | |||||||||||||||
10th Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh | |||||||||||||||
Assumed office 12 June 2024 | |||||||||||||||
Governor | S. Abdul Nazeer | ||||||||||||||
Chief Minister | N. Chandrababu Naidu | ||||||||||||||
Preceded by | |||||||||||||||
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Member of Legislative Assembly Andhra Pradesh | |||||||||||||||
Assumed office 4 June 2024 | |||||||||||||||
Preceded by | Dorababu Pendem | ||||||||||||||
Constituency | Pithapuram | ||||||||||||||
President of the Janasena Party | |||||||||||||||
Assumed office 14 September 2014 | |||||||||||||||
Preceded by | Position established | ||||||||||||||
Personal details | |||||||||||||||
Born | Konidala Kalyan Babu (1971-09-02) 2 September 1971 (age 52)[2] Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, India | ||||||||||||||
Political party | Janasena Party (2014–present) | ||||||||||||||
Other political affiliations | Praja Rajyam Party (2008–2011) | ||||||||||||||
Spouses |
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Children | 4 | ||||||||||||||
Relatives | See Allu–Konidela family | ||||||||||||||
Occupation |
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As an actor, Kalyan works in Telugu cinema and is known for his unique style and mannerisms. He boasts a vast fanbase in the Telugu states, often described as "unfathomable," "fiercely loyal," and a "cult following."[7] He is among the highest-paid actors in Indian cinema[8] and has been featured in Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list multiple times since 2012.[13] He is the recipient of a Filmfare Award and a SIIMA Award among other accolades.
Kalyan made his acting debut in the 1996 film Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi, a moderate success. Then, he had a streak of six consecutive hits, among which Tholi Prema (1998), Thammudu (1999), Badri (2000), and Kushi (2001) became back-to-back blockbusters. These films established Kalyan as a youth icon with a massive following distinct from his elder brother Chiranjeevi's fanbase.[4][6] In 2001, he became the first ever South Indian brand ambassador for Pepsi.[17] Kalyan later faced a slump, yet his popularity kept soaring despite the flops.[19] He made a comeback with Jalsa (2008), the highest-grossing Telugu film of that year, and continued with hits like Gabbar Singh (2012), Attarintiki Daredi (2013), Gopala Gopala (2015), and Bheemla Nayak (2022). He received the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Gabbar Singh. Kushi and Attarintiki Daredi held the record of being the highest-grossing Telugu film of all time.
Kalyan holds a black belt in Karate.[20] In 1997, he was awarded the title "Pawan" by the Isshin-ryū Karate Association after a public martial arts demonstration.[21] He trains in various martial arts which he depicts in his films regularly both as a performer and as an action choreographer. He is referred to as Power Star by his fans and the media.[22]
Kalyan is known for his extensive philanthropic efforts, supporting a wide range of social causes including orphan welfare, elderly care, disaster relief, healthcare, education, farmers' welfare, soldiers' welfare, parasports, arts, literature, and temples.[23] He has provided financial support to both individuals in need and organizations. In 2007, he founded the charity Common Man Protection Force.[26]
Kalyan entered politics in 2008 as the youth wing president of Chiranjeevi's Praja Rajyam Party, but left it after its merger with the Congress party. In March 2014, he founded the Jana Sena Party (JSP). He chose not to contest in the 2014 elections, but through his support and campaigns played a crucial role in the victory of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Andhra Pradesh.[27] In 2017, he brought national attention to the chronic kidney disease crisis in Uddanam.[28] He also led protests against forced land acquisition,[25] illegal mining in reserved forests, and marched for drought-affected farmers in Rayalaseema.[29][30]
In 2019, Jana Sena contested its first elections, winning only one MLA seat but garnered around 6% vote share. After the 2019 setback, Kalyan and JSP focused on issues such as farmer welfare, transparent governance, infrastructure, illegal sand mining, women's safety, land encroachment. In 2023, he launched a state-wide tour in his customized vehicle 'Varahi', aimed at strengthening the party's connection with the voters. In the 2024 elections, Kalyan was instrumental in forming an alliance between JSP, TDP and BJP.[31] The alliance swept to power in a landslide victory, with Jana Sena winning each of the seats it contested — 21 MLA seats and 2 MP seats. Kalyan was elected to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Pitapuram constituency by a margin of over 70,000 votes and became the Deputy Chief Minister.[29]