Hyderabad, India | February 11, 2026
Veteran Telugu actor Chiranjeevi took a nostalgic trip down memory lane on Tuesday as he shared rare black-and-white photographs from his debut film Punadhirallu, along with an emotional message recalling his early days in cinema.
The megastar posted vintage images on Instagram from the sets of his first film, marking the moment he faced the camera for the very first time.
“A Beautiful Feeling Like a Moonlit Night”
In his caption, Chiranjeevi described the mix of emotions he experienced during his first day of shooting.
“It was the first day of my life when I stood in front of the camera for Punadhirallu. The nervousness, happiness, responsibility, and emotions I felt that day are beyond words. Even today, it feels like it happened just yesterday — a beautiful feeling like a moonlit night,” he wrote.
The heartfelt note quickly resonated with fans, many of whom praised the actor’s humility and long-standing connection with his audience.
Gratitude to Director Rajkumar
Chiranjeevi also extended his gratitude to the film’s director, Rajkumar, crediting him for offering his first opportunity in the industry.
He acknowledged the director and producer for their faith and encouragement, stating that their trust laid the foundation for his decades-long acting career. The actor also thanked fans for their continuous love, support, and blessings since the beginning of his journey.
About ‘Punadhirallu’
Punadhirallu, directed by Rajkumar, was released in 1979. Chiranjeevi began working on the project in 1978, making it his first acting venture in Telugu cinema.
The film received critical recognition and won the Nandi Award for Best Feature Film. Actor Gokina Rama Rao earned the Nandi Award for Best Actor for his performance in the movie.
From a newcomer experiencing first-day nerves to becoming one of the most influential figures in Indian cinema, Chiranjeevi’s journey remains one of the most inspiring success stories in Tollywood history.
