Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor Pawan Kalyan on Saturday, 22 August shared a deeply personal tribute to his elder brother, Megastar Chiranjeevi, on the occasion of Chiranjeevi's birthday — recalling childhood memories that long predate the superstar's cinematic fame. In an emotional Instagram post, Pawan Kalyan wrote that his brother had been his hero well before the world recognised him as one.

A Childhood Shaped by One Presence

Pawan Kalyan described Chiranjeevi's departure to pursue college education in Narsapur as a source of recurring pain for the family. 'His homecoming for summer holidays was a festive season. A big pain and disappointment used to follow when he used to go back for his college. Home was never vibrant till he was back,' he wrote.

The younger brother recalled the simple act of walking beside Chiranjeevi in school days as a moment of immense pride. 'I used to feel like I am walking with the world's most important person; by then, he was just in college,' Pawan Kalyan said. He painted a vivid picture of Chiranjeevi riding their father's Bullet 350 cc motorcycle — curly long hair, an NCC Cadet's physique, bell bottoms and glasses — calling it 'an absolutely fanboy and hero-worshipping moment.'

First Gifts, First Lessons in Generosity

Pawan Kalyan recounted Chiranjeevi's return from his first Singapore trip in the early days of his film career, carrying a large blue bag filled with gifts — a Lego helicopter, remote-controlled cars, a racing track, comics, music tapes, a tape recorder, Yardley scented powders, soaps, and perfumes. 'He always brought joy and smiles into our small home,' he wrote.

The tribute also touched on Chiranjeevi's wedding, when a young Pawan Kalyan quietly wept in a room, fearing his brother would drift away. Chiranjeevi found him, introduced his new bride as Pawan's 'Vadina' (sister-in-law), and the two laughed upon discovering the reason for his tears — a moment Pawan Kalyan recalled with evident warmth.

Witness to the Struggle Behind the Stardom

Pawan Kalyan described living with Chiranjeevi and his sister-in-law in Chennai (then Madras) during the actor's formative film years. He wrote of watching his brother return home past midnight after 18-hour shifts, drenched in sweat, barely able to stand — yet never once reproaching Pawan Kalyan for academic failures or a lack of direction. 'I used to feel guilty for living off on his hard work and sacrifice. But he never even uttered a word,' he said.

He also credited Chiranjeevi as 'one of the primary and key persons who acted as a cultural bridge between the South and Hindi film industry,' adding that Chiranjeevi 'always believed in Indian cinema.'

The Unstoppable Megastar

Pawan Kalyan noted that Chiranjeevi is not only tech-savvy but possesses 'astounding medical knowledge.' Most strikingly, he highlighted that following a major spinal operation recently, Chiranjeevi returned swiftly to strength training and work. 'Like a city never sleeps, he's a man who never rests. He's born with an unstoppable motor within. That's why he's become our beloved Mega Star and my only Hero,' Pawan Kalyan wrote.

The Deputy Chief Minister closed his post with a prayer for his brother's health and strength, framing the birthday wish not as a formality but as 'a gentle reminder to many like me; how his life has impacted, influenced and transformed millions like me to build a better future.' He signed off with #HBDMegastarChiranjeevi.