From his grandson comment backlash to industry clashes, here’s a look at Chiranjeevi’s most talked-about controversies.
February 12, 2025: South megastar Chiranjeevi is no stranger to controversy. From sexist remarks about wanting a grandson to feuds with fellow actors, the Tollywood icon has often been at the center of heated debates. His most recent controversy came after his statement about feeling like a "warden of a ladies’ hostel" at home, as he expressed his wish for Ram Charan to have a son to continue their family legacy. This sparked widespread backlash, with many calling his views misogynistic and regressive.
However, this isn’t the first time Chiranjeevi has been in hot water. Here’s a look at eight of his most controversial moments over the years.
Also Read: Chiranjeevi Creates Major Controversy: Tells Son Ram Charan to Have a Male Heir
1. Grandson Remark Sparks Outrage (2025)
At the pre-release event of Brahma Anandam (2025), Chiranjeevi said,
"I keep wishing and telling (Ram) Charan, at least this time, have a boy so that our legacy continues. But his daughter is the apple of his eye. I'm scared that he might have a girl again."
This statement was widely criticised on social media, with many calling out the sexist implication that only a male child can carry forward a legacy.
2. Feud with Rajasekhar Over MAA (2020)
Chiranjeevi clashed with actor Rajasekhar at a Movie Artist Association (MAA) event over handling internal disputes. The heated argument saw Rajasekhar accusing MAA of suppressing issues instead of addressing them. The situation escalated, but Rajasekhar later issued an apology.
3. Blood Bank Controversy (2011-2023)
Actors Rajasekhar and Jeevitha accused Chiranjeevi’s Blood Bank Foundation of financial irregularities in 2011. The case dragged on for years, and a court finally ruled in favor of Chiranjeevi, sentencing Rajasekhar and Jeevitha to one year in jail for defamation in 2023.
4. Declining the ‘Legendary Award’ at Vajrotsavam (2007)
In 2007, Chiranjeevi rejected a ‘Legendary Award’ at Vajrotsavam, saying he did not consider himself worthy. This led to a heated debate in Tollywood, with veteran actor Mohan Babu questioning the credibility of such awards.
Chiranjeevi finally puts full stop to the controversy happened 17 years ago which is stirred by MohanBabu in Vajrotsavam event in 2007 !!
— Vamc Krishna (@lyf_a_zindagii) October 28, 2024
Vajrotsavam event lo Legendary award #Chiranjeevi ki icharu thanaku ivvaledani Mohan Babu controversial speech icharu#MegaStarChiranjeevi… pic.twitter.com/2NmKxcYKmK
Years later, in 2024, Chiranjeevi accepted the prestigious ANR Award and clarified his past decision, stating that he only wanted to accept the title when he truly felt deserving.
5. COVID-19 False Positive and Protocol Breach (2020)
During the pandemic, Chiranjeevi announced he had tested positive for COVID-19 but later claimed it was a false alarm due to an inaccurate test kit. However, the Telangana health department slammed him for violating quarantine protocols when he visited director K. Vishwanath soon after his supposed diagnosis.
6. Pushing a Fan at the Airport (2024)
In 2024, a video surfaced showing Chiranjeevi shoving a fan at the airport who had approached him for a selfie. While some defended him, saying it was a momentary reaction, many criticized him for his rude behaviour.
7. Feud with Prithviraj Sukumaran Over a Film Offer (2024)
Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran revealed that he twice rejected Chiranjeevi’s offer to direct the Telugu remake of Lucifer. While Chiranjeevi jokingly called him out for using the same excuse twice, Prithviraj clarified that it was due to his commitment to Aadujeevitham - The Goat Life.
8. Allegations of Sabotaging Uday Kiran’s Career (2000s)
Uday Kiran, a rising Telugu star in the early 2000s, saw a sudden decline in his career after an alleged fallout with Chiranjeevi’s family. While there is no concrete proof, rumors persist that Chiranjeevi used his influence in Tollywood to block Uday Kiran’s opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Despite these controversies, Chiranjeevi remains one of Tollywood’s most iconic stars. However, his recent comments have reignited debates on gender roles and patriarchal mindsets in the film industry.
Do you think Chiranjeevi’s comments were misunderstood, or do they reflect a larger issue in the industry?
Last Updated on February 12, 2025 by Misha Bhatia
