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From Weaver to Merchant to the World

Kashmiri weavers are famous for working the finest of fabrics—from pashmina and silk to shahtoosh—into intricate weaves with superior finishing. Because Jammu and Kashmir has been, until the newly announced ban, the only state in India to allow trade in shahtoosh, the weavers themselves have broken no laws. The violators are those who supply the chiru wool from China and those who export finished shahtoosh from Kashmir.

Shahtoosh shawls leave Kashmir via road, rail, and air for Delhi and Punjab. (Sources told TRAFFIC India that roads are considered the safest mode of travel for smuggling.) From Delhi and Punjab, traders distribute shahtoosh to the world.

In mid-1999, a CITES mission visited Nepal and India in order to better understand the status of tiger conservation and trade. While browsing in a hotel gift shop in Kathmandu, Nepal, mission members were offered shahtoosh shawls for $1,000 each. A TRAFFIC India investigator found shahtoosh shawls for sale in Kathmandu and Pokhara (a city in Nepal much visited by tourists), priced from $1,400 to $1,900.

In Delhi, the CITES mission was offered shahtoosh shawls by several traders in shopping arcades within five-star hotels. One establishment brought out dozens of shahtoosh shawls in a variety of sizes and colors, with prices starting at $1,000. Manoj Misra, director of TRAFFIC India, estimates there are 2,000 shahtoosh shawls for sale in Delhi on any given day.

Informants tell TRAFFIC that shahtoosh buyers from around the world regularly fly to Delhi for private showings or to patronize shops in upscale hotels. Shahtoosh then makes its way from Delhi to the fashion capitals of the world in personal luggage, by courier, hidden in cargo, and by mail. Informants say that buyers from Europe, especially France, Italy, and Spain, are the most avid, although New York and Hong Kong are also hot markets.

In the first three months of 1999 alone, Delhi officials seized 290 shahtoosh shawls. A similar rate of seizures continued through 2000. Given the ease with which the light, thin shawls can be stowed and hidden among legal goods, it is logical to assume that these seizures are the mere tip of an iceberg of illegal trade.

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Shoot-Out on China’s High Plains

The world’s growing demand for shahtoosh has left a trail of bloodshed. From 1990 through 1998, Chinese authorities documented 100 cases of chiru poaching. They confiscated 17,000 chiru pelts and about 2,400 pounds of chiru wool, as well as 300 guns and 153 vehicles used by poachers. Some 3,000 people were arrested and at least three poachers shot dead. Between December 1999 and February 2000, another 1,539 pelts were seized, along with rifles, ammunition, and vehicles.

In many instances, anti-poaching teams were outnumbered and outgunned by packs of poachers with more sophisticated weapons and better vehicles. Soinam Darje, who headed an anti-poaching patrol credited with many arrests, became a national hero in China when he was killed in a gunfight with poachers in January 1994. At least one other government official trying to save chiru from poachers has been killed in action.

TRAFFIC, the global wildlife-trade monitoring program of World Wildlife Fund and the World Conservation Union, continues to investigate the chiru trade. In the late 1990s, TRAFFIC India confirmed that, where chiru wool is concerned, all smuggling routes lead to the famed weavers in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Some routes take the wool from the high plains of China directly over mountain passes and into Kashmir, while others cross Nepal and go through various Indian states before arriving in Kashmir. More recently, smugglers were detouring through other parts of China, such as Sichuan Province, to avoid increased law enforcement efforts.

The wool travels by horseback, truck, train, and airplane. It may be hidden in shipments of wool from domestic animals, including angora wool and cashmere (also known as pashmina), a near-equivalent of shahtoosh. The contraband is sometimes stuffed inside jackets and blankets. At the lowest and only driveable pass between China and Nepal, customs officials in 1998 found a cache of about 480 pounds of chiru wool behind a false ceiling in a truck carrying sheep’s wool.

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Chiru are virtually exclusive to the Tibetan Plateau in Tibet and adjoining areas of China, although they occasionally wander into India’s Ladakh region. Since 1979, chiru have been listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), thereby banning chiru and their parts and derivatives from international trade. The People’s Republic of China gives them the highest level of legal protection under its Wildlife Protection Law, prohibiting chiru hunting and trade in chiru parts without government permission. Chiru trade also is prohibited in India under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, except in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which is afforded special status under India’s constitution. However, good news for chiru came in October 2000 when Jammu and Kashmir agreed to phase out and eventually ban all trade in shahtoosh.

Shahtoosh shawls crafted by Kashmiri weavers have been dowry items in northern India for centuries, and it is possible that this level of demand posed little threat to the chiru’s survival. What set the animal on the path to extinction was its elevation from dowry treasure in India to must-have accessory in world fashion centers. How this fad started is unclear. What is certain is that, at its current level, the shahtoosh craze drives a trade that the chiru cannot sustain.

Despite legal protection and trade bans, the burgeoning Western market for shahtoosh caused a dramatic increase in chiru poaching in the late 1980s and early 1990s—a connection first noted by the eminent field biologist George Schaller of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), who estimated in his 1998 book, Wildlife of the Tibetan Steppe, that “tens of thousands of animals must have been killed” to supply the trade during that time.

In 1900, the chiru population may have numbered one million. In a report issued in December 1998, China’s State Forestry Administration (SFA) cited Schaller’s estimate that fewer than 75,000 chiru remained in the wild in 1995. Based on confiscated chiru pelts and wool, along with discarded chiru carcasses found by CERS and government officials, SFA estimates that 20,000 chiru now fall victim to poaching each year.

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King of Wools: High Fashion and the Chiru's Shahtoosh
by Judy Mills

This is a story of beauty turned ugly. A story of a species turned fashion victim. A story of murder and subterfuge on the roof of the world. This is the story of shahtoosh.

Roughly translated from Persian, shahtoosh is understood to mean the “king of wools.” The description is no hyperbole. Shahtoosh is gossamer in weight and texture, soft as a baby’s skin, yet warm. Scarves and shawls made of shahtoosh come in natural beige and off-white, may be dyed rich colors, and are sometimes intricately embroidered. They sell for $1,000 to $5,000 and more, and have become the rage among the rich, famous, and fashionable. Movie stars wrap newborns in them, socialites drape them over ball gowns, and a Hong Kong tycoon dines with one in his lap. Shahtoosh owes its “royal” status to the hair from which it is woven. The coat of the endangered Tibetan antelope, or chiru (Pantholops hodgsoni), contains some of the world’s finest hair, measuring three-quarters the width of cashmere and one-fifth that of human hair. Shahtoosh is so fine that even a large shawl can be pulled with ease through a finger ring, giving it its other name “ring shawl.”

Behind this luxury lies death: Three to five chiru must die to provide the ten to 20 ounces of raw wool needed to produce a single shawl, according to the Wildlife Protection Society of India. Poachers are gunning down chiru in droves for the sake of this fashion craze. William Bleisch of the China Exploration and Research Society (CERS) reported that, in the summer of 1999, he personally saw more than 900 skinned chiru carcasses—many of them pregnant females—in China’s high-desert Arjin Shan Reserve.

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This story was based on a unique point of removing section 302 from Indian penal Code, which sentences death. Struggling lawyer Chiranjeevi (Chiranjeevi himself), lives with his roommate (Allu Aravind) and dreams of removing IPC section 302. Reason behind his determination was his father's death sentence under 302, for adultery, which he didn't commit. Famous criminal lawyer in that city, Viswanatham (Rao Gopal Rao) sends an invitation to every famous lawyer for a party at his place, and by his secretary's mistake one invitation reaches Chiranjeevi and he gets a chance to meet Viswanatham and express his idea about IPC 302. He also meets Viswanatham's niece Archana (Radhika) at the party and falls in love with her. When their love starts blossoming, after a couple of duets, Archana has to attend a meeting in another city country and she leaves for few days. During this time Chiranjeevi plans a fake murder, in which he will trap himself and gets death sentence. According to his plan, Viswanatham will show original pictures of the dead body to the governor at the last moment and rescue Chiranjeevi. Then, both wanted to file a petition in Supreme Court against IPC 302. Everything works fine. They manage a lady's dead body and Chiranjeevi is sentenced to death. In jail, guard Ganapathi (Rallapalli) is surprised to see Chiranjeevi happy before his death. Just a night before chiru's hang, Viswanatham on his way to meet governor, meets with an accident. Tense Chiranjeevi reveals everything to Ganapthi and pleads for his help. Archana who returns and hates him for rape and murder, now sets off to help him out after realizing the truth through Ganapathi. After a night long struggle, they manage to get in touch with Viswanatham, who is alive and in hospital. They get the original photos and in the last moment Chiranjeevi is saved from being hanged. But the story doesn't end happily here. Viswanatham throws a party to celebrate Chiranjeevi's success and announces Chiranjeevi-archana's engagement. During this party a drunkard (Gollapudi) drags Chiranjeevi out of the party and archana gets suspicious about their secret talk. She follows Chiranjeevi. Meanwhile Chiranjeevi still believes that the dead body he used for plan was not natural death, but she was killed by someone. Postmortem report shows that she was killed by a guy with four fingers on one hand. Archana remembers a goon, who attacked her, when she reached him to find out the source of dead body. Chiranjeevi reveals that he bought that body from that four fingered goon. Mystery slowly unfolds much to the surprise of viewers that, the lady who was killed was none other than, Viswanatham's daughter from his extramarital relationship. Viswnatham is arrested and lawyer chiranjeevi files a petition against IPC section 302.

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Oka sameta undi..kothi genthadam sahebu dandukovadam. It’s been months since Prasad Reddy leaked matter to journalists and eversince we have been listening of padayatras, special buses, helicopters and even recently Chiru’s sister and Kotagiri are supposed to have attended the maha yagam at garividi. Akkada fans andharu hadavidi chestunte here YSR unleashed his rajakeeyam. All top stars voluntarily and diligently vote eyyataniki vellinantha sincere ga pannu katti votcharu. Dil Raju laanti fund managers are getting scared and are thinking twice…manakendhuku ee gola, ee supporting. There is a talk about a request being made to transfer Chiru’s accounts here to hyd. On the other hand he was invited to inagurate Sakshi (wow Jagan). Everyone knows CBN won’t come, so the invitation goes there first and Chiru can never say no. Meanwhile Tiger Harischandra Prasad noise lekunda Rajya Sabha sabhyudu ayyaru. In the coming days there will be more on the Cong agenda….foreign funds, posession of unlimited ATM cards by the entire family and last but not the least an enquiry on CCT very soon. Stop making faces. Meerentha dveshinchina maa YSR mimalni premistune vuntaaru..aayaniki telisindi okkate prema prema prema!

Sunatha gaaru… “uuu pee koo haa”
Alochinchukovaali kadaa ekkada modalettalo elaa cheyyalo.

CCT lo enti bhaagotam? Worst Case scenario emavuthundi.. ekkadanaa avakathavakalu jarigithe fine kattaleraa? Assigned land 30 years anubhavinchi…maa Raja Reddy naannichaadu..nenu vaadukunnanu..naakemee theedooch annadu kadaa YSR anna.

Digaalante dammu…strategy, manchi agendaa, 50 seats vacchinaa dhayiryamgaa asssembly lo koorchune abhimaanam, yadavalani dooramgaa unche chaakachakyam, plus anni prajaa samasyala payinaa manchi avagaaana…ekka politicalgaa use cheyyalo, ekkada straight forward gaa undaalo theliyaali plus kula raajakeeyaalu AP lo start chesina apakhyaathi raakoodadu..It is indeed a balanced act and ***king stressful. Ivanne lekapothe…anavasaram digadam

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Chiru’ fans take out rally Staff Reporter

KHAMMAM: Fans and followers of film star Chiranjeevi took out a motorcycle rally in the town welcoming his new political party.

They distributed sweets in the bustling Mayuri centre and celebrated the occasion dancing to the drum beats. Calling it the dawn of a new era in the State politics, they pledged their support to the film star. Paladugu Papa Rao, Chiranjeevi Praja Samiti district publicity secretary, said that the party would certainly be identified with the common man and naming it as Labour Party would be apt and justified. He said that the fans had already given their suggestions from the district on the name and manifesto of the new party. They would be in touch with the leadership.

Mega Power Star fans (Ramcharan) district present Koppu Ravuri Sumanth said the party should opt for two eyes as its symbol. It should emerge as an entity with representation of all the classes. The party should fight for issues of the common man. People had pinned high hopes on the film star.

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Chiru’s Fans Attack Fellow Actor, Family Syed Amin Jafri, Arab News

HYDERABAD, India, 29 January 2008 — Telugu movie actor Chiranjeevi yesterday apologized to fellow actor Rajasekhar for an attack by his fans. Speaking to newsmen after calling on Rajasekhar and the members of his family, Chiranjeevi, better known as Chiru, said that he was told Sunday night about the remarks made by Rajasekhar about him at Bhimavaram. He was informed yesterday morning about the attack on Rajasekhar by his fans and he immediately decided to call on him. Chiru said that in a democracy, every one has the right to express his views. “Anyone can voice his protest if his feelings are hurt by remarks by someone else, but it is wrong to resort to physical attacks. The reaction from the fans was unnecessary and unfortunate. I disapprove of it and strongly condemn the incident,” he said. Referring to Rajasekhar’s statement that “Chiru has no political experience to start a party and I won’t join his party,” Chiru said that it was the actor’s personal opinion. “What he said is true. There was no need for anyone to be so upset about the remark. Even if one’s feelings are hurt, there is no need to react in a violent way. It is not in my nature to condone such acts. I ask my fans and followers to exercise restraint and not to resort to violence or physical attacks,” he added. A car carrying Rajasekhar and his family members was attacked in Panjagutta in the heart of Hyderabad on Sunday morning. The actor, his wife Jeevita and their two teenaged daughters received minor injuries and the windowpanes of the car were smashed in the assault. The actor and his family received treatment at a private hospital. Police registered a case on a complaint by Jeevita, a former actress. She alleged that people in four cars chased them and attacked their vehicle. “They threw stones and chased us. They wanted to kill us. Anything could have happened,” said Jeevita. Following the incident, police stepped up security for Rajasekhar and his family. The actor appealed to Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy to provide security to him and his family members.

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Huge turnout for Chiru Party Meeting in Atlanta

As part of National Campaign promoting " Change & Hope With Chiranjeevi", PRO TELUGU FORUM, USA(chiruforap.com)as oraganized its ninth event in Atlanta on Saturday 01/19/2008.

Despite heavy snowfall and freezing temparture in Atlata,many local area telugu families and Chiranjeevi Wellwishers attended the meeting.

Meeting started with Cake Cutting by children co-ordinated by PTF Atlanta Convener Mr Narasayya Vadranam.

Siva Kumar Arza (Atlanta Area Co-Ordinator) welcommed the audience and started the meeting.Siva Kumar Arza (Atlanta Area Co-Ordinator) welcommed the audience and started the meeting.

Ram Tatineni (Founder,National Convener PTF) has conveyed the "CHANGE & HOPE With Chiranjeevi" message to the audience and explained the importance and historical need of the day for state of Andhra Pradesh to have a new political party under the leadership of Chiranjeevi. Audience agreed to the need of the party and expressed their solidarity for Chiranjeevi.

Several speakers including Samatha,Dara Porika,SriRam, Venkat Raju,Ramki,Harish Sajja,Krishna Mohan,Kiran Kumar,Shridhar Palachola expressed their ideas of how the new party could change the state of AP and India and promissed their support to the new party for Better Andhra Pradesh.

Venkat Raju organized a photo exhibition of vast collection of Chiranjeevi photos dating back to 1985 and everone remembered their days in AP and the exhibition was a great success.

Finally, Mr Nara Vadranam thanked the audiecne for their participation despite the bad weather conditions and applauded the efforts of the volunteers for the meeting RamaKrishna, Krishna Mohan,Siva Kumar, Samatha,Venkat Raju,Sri Ram and others.

This event was covered by TV5 New network and been broadcasted in the news . Here is the link.

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Chiranjeevi apologises for fans attack on Rajasekhar Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi [Images] apologised to actor Rajasekhar, after his fans attacked the actor and his family.

Chiranjeevi said that in a democracy, everyone enjoyed the right to expression and was free to express his opinion.

"Anyone can voice his protest if his feelings are hurt by the remarks of someone else. But it is wrong to resort to physical attacks. The reaction from the fans is unnecessary and unfortunate. I disapprove of it and strongly condemn the incident," he said.

Referring to Rajasekhar's statement that 'Chiru has no political experience to start a party, and I will not join his party,' Chiranjeevi said that it was an individual opinion. "What he said is true. There is no need for anyone to be so sensitive to the remark. Even if one's feelings are hurt, there is no need to react in a violent way. It is not in my nature to condone such acts. I ask my fans and followers to exercise restraint and not to resort to violence or physical attacks," he added.

Sympathising with Rajasekhar's family for the trauma they suffered at the hands of his fans, Chiranjeevi reminded his fans that he, too, had a family and daughters. He said that he had highest regard for women. He expressed regret to Rajasekhar's actor-wife Jeevitha and daughters for the 'unfortunate incident.'

"I will call my fans and tell them it is not our culture to show disrespect to women," he stated.

Rajasekhar told newsmen that he was satisfied with Chiranjeevi's condemnation of the incident.

"He said that it is not his culture," the actor said. "In fact, it is nobody's culture to encourage violence. By strongly reacting to the incident and calling on me to sympathise with my family, he (Chiranjeevi) has done justice to us. We have not demanded an apology but he apologised. We are satisfied with his advise to his fans."

"Whosoever has instigated the attack -- whether it is the president of the fans association or somebody else -- this is not the right way to show love and affection for their hero," Jeevitha said. "He (Chiranjeevi) is a great hero. We appreciate his coming into politics or becoming a leader or the Chief Minister (of the state). But his fans must know that others have a right to differ from him (Chiru). They cannot expect or force everyone to support him. There are so many political parties and leaders and their supporters cannot go and attack the rivals, who disagree with them. Like Chiru, his fans should behave in a decent way."

Earlier, visibly shaken by the incident, Rajasekhar and Jeevitha gave vent to their anger. Asserting that he had the right in a democracy to voice his views, Rajasekhar said that Chiru's fans should not be intolerant of anyone making comments about their hero.

"I am entitled to my opinion and I have voiced it. I told the media that since childhood, my family was with the Congress party. When (matinee idol) N T Rama Rao formed the Telugu Desam Party, I supported him. But so far, I have not joined any party and I don't know whether I will come into public life or not. I asked whether it was compulsory that I should join Chiru's party when newsmen persisted with their queries," he said.

Rajasekhar said that he would apprise Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy of the incident and request the government to provide proper security to him and his family. Jeevitha demanded the police to take stern action against those who attacked her husband and daughters.

A doctor by training, Rajasekhar turned to acting 23 years ago. He made his debut in the Telugu film, Vandemataram, in 1985 and has acted in 16 films so far. His last film was Villain, in 2003.

Jeevitha made her debut in Dharma Patni in 1986 and has acted in six films, including Ankusham.

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hiranjeevi has been my first hero. when i was like 7 or 8 years I thought hero is someone like chiranjeevi and as grew older i started finding out about him the good work he’s done through blood bank and eye bank. As we entered into the new millenium number of fans of chiranjeevi increased by huge numbers and I feel he is trapped into this whole world of god like thing where many fans worship him. which makes him do stupid movies like stalin,mrugaraju and other shitty movies that he’s doing for past few years. But chiranjeevi is one of the best actors in India along with Kamal Hassan, Amitab bachhan and Superstar Rajini. All these great actors are made to do movies that are safe bet for producers cause of fans.Before chiru turned into this god like figure he did a movie called “Challenge” which has been made from novel by “Yandamuri Veerendranath” called “Dabu-Dabu” (”Money-Money”) Yeah it might be strange but there are movies made from novels in telugu too. There was an era when the combination of Kondandarami Reddy-chiru-Yandamuri-Ilayaraja gave continues hits and gr8 movies to telugu industry. This movie was made during that golden era.

Its a story about Gandhi(chiru) challenging one of big industrialists Ram Mohan Rao(Rao gopal rao) in Vizag that earning money is no big deal anyone can do it during interview held by Ram Mohan Rao. Gandhi realizes that this interview its nuthing but joke on poor youth and game that he is been playing. Then Ram Mohan Rao Challenges Gandhi that if he can make 50 lakhs in 5 years he would marry his daughter Haarika(vijaya shanti) with gandhi. The Movie starts with gandhi’s mother in hosptial and he is tries hard to buy medicines to her but fails. so he steals them in desperate attempt to save his mother. but its too late she is already dead by the time he gets to hospital. He Dosent have enough money to bury his mother and to worse matters the wardboy at hospital demands Rs 500 from gandhi to protect his mothers corpse from decaying. He impresses Harika who is in hospital to see her mother with his mathematics and receives Rs 500 but the wardboy takes it from him and finally he buries his mother. Frustrated with his life gandhi wanders allround vizag on one such occasion he meets Lakshmi(Suhasini Mani ratnam) they both see an ad for a job opening and gandhi realizes that this ad is nothing but trick played by the owner of that company on poor people. Thats when the argument b/w Ram Mohan Rao and Gandhi Happens. What happens next is the journey taken by Gandhi and Lakshmi together in earning Rs 50 Lakhs and how he overcomes all troubles and win the challenge.

It is a typical David vs Goliath story but the way yandmoori adpoted it to the telugu audiences is great. Chiranjeevi is great as Gandhi, I feel this is his best performance with Chanti Abbai,Rudraveena, Abhilasha and Aradhana. Rao Gopal Rao was great actor in 70’s and 80’s he dosent have any macho look, he is like typical andhraite but he plays villan role to best. Kota Srinivas Rao is the only actor in telugu industry who can act like Rao Gopal Rao and these two people are from theater and they tasted success in their late 40’s. Music by Ilayaraja is another assest to this movie. Suhasini Mani Ratnam did very good job as Lakshmi she was perfect as girl next door.I Think telugu cinema golden era was untill 1994 or early 90’s after that high percent of movies are revenge based thats I feel bad that now a days movies like desamuduru are considered hits. Thank god that shekar kammula came to telugu industry breath of fresh air.

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HYDERABAD: Film star Chiranjeevi will launch his political party on his 54th birthday, August 22, his brother-in-law and film producer Allu Aravind indicated here on Saturday.

Speaking to the media after the Chiranjeevi National Trade Union Congress (CNTUC) took out a rally here and presented him a memorandum urging the actor to enter politics, Mr. Aravind said the film actor had firm ideas on the issue and would soon announce a decision on his political plans.

Expressing happiness over a cross-section of people appealing to the actor to join politics, he said Mr. Chiranjeevi was not an impulsive person and took decisions only after careful thought. He said (entering) politics was a big issue, people were wondering why Chiranjeevi was delaying a decision on taking the plunge. “I feel he is taking a reasonable time. We have waited for so long. Can’t we wait for some more time?” he asked.

Meanwhile, details of the agenda of the proposed party, its name, the symbol and the flag were selectively leaked to the media. But, Mr. Chiranjeevi’s actor brother, K. Nagababu, issued a statement confirming the road map to the political arena but denying details about the symbol and flag. In spite of the euphoria generated among Chiranjeevi’s fans, the proposed launch date came as a surprise because the star was expected to start the party in June first week immediately after the byelections in Telangana. Apparently, he now plans to make a short and quick dash to the general elections in April 2009 just as N. T. Rama Rao did successfully in 1982.

Mr. Aravind’s is the first specific statement from Chiranjeevi’s camp about the date of his political ‘arangetram’. In tune with his reticence all along, the film star has said nothing beyond counselling patience to his fans. Just two days ago, he deflected questions from television reporters.

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Hyderabad, May 31 (IANS) The political scene in Andhra Pradesh is set to change dramatically with Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi planning to launch his political party in August, a close aide said here Saturday.

The actor's brother-in-law and filmmaker Allu Arvind told newsmen here that Chiranjeevi is likely to launch his party Aug 22, his birthday.

Arvind made the statement during a rally by Chiranjeevi National Trade Union Congress (CNTUC), a trade union in the actor's name. The rally was organised to appeal to the actor to join politics.

When the rally reached Geeta Arts office in up market Jubilee Hills, Allu Arvind came out to make the statement.

"Responding to appeals from different sections of the community, I am sure, he will definitely enter politics. He has taken a firm and clear decision and he will personally make an announcement," he said.

This is the clearest ever statement from Arvind, a close confidante of Chiranjeevi, since speculations on the actor's plunge into politics began a few months ago.

"Some people are asking why he is taking such a long time. Politics is too big an issue and he is taking a reasonable time. He doesn't take hasty decisions. He thinks and takes a correct decision," said Arvind.

"We thank you. It is not just the trade union but the students, women, IT professional, lawyers and doctors all want him to come to politics," he said.

Sources close to the actor said the party would be called Labour Party and its symbol would be a train.

"We are at a railway platform. We are waiting for a train that will take us to the right destination," Arvind had said in January.

"When will your train arrive," a scribe had asked Chiranjeevi Thursday after he cast his vote in the by-elections. "Allu Arvind is taking care of the train issue. Address your queries to him," the actor had replied.

It was in November last year that one of his close aides claimed that he had decided to launch a party. The speculations led to his fans holding meetings in different parts of the state to urge him to make an early announcement.

Chiranjeevi, however, came out with a statement a few days later appealing to his fans to remain patient till he made an announcement. Continuing the suspense, the actor had said in January that he needed more time to take a decision.

People are drawing a parallel with thespian N.T. Rama Rao's political entry in 1982. He had come to power within nine months of launching Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

Chiru, as Chiranjeevi is popularly known, has dominated the Telugu film industry for over two decades. One of the highest paid actors in India, Chiru has massive fan following across the state.

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Chiru’s Fans Attack Fellow Actor, Family Syed Amin Jafri, Arab News

HYDERABAD, India, 29 January 2008 — Telugu movie actor Chiranjeevi yesterday apologized to fellow actor Rajasekhar for an attack by his fans. Speaking to newsmen after calling on Rajasekhar and the members of his family, Chiranjeevi, better known as Chiru, said that he was told Sunday night about the remarks made by Rajasekhar about him at Bhimavaram. He was informed yesterday morning about the attack on Rajasekhar by his fans and he immediately decided to call on him. Chiru said that in a democracy, every one has the right to express his views. “Anyone can voice his protest if his feelings are hurt by remarks by someone else, but it is wrong to resort to physical attacks. The reaction from the fans was unnecessary and unfortunate. I disapprove of it and strongly condemn the incident,” he said. Referring to Rajasekhar’s statement that “Chiru has no political experience to start a party and I won’t join his party,” Chiru said that it was the actor’s personal opinion. “What he said is true. There was no need for anyone to be so upset about the remark. Even if one’s feelings are hurt, there is no need to react in a violent way. It is not in my nature to condone such acts. I ask my fans and followers to exercise restraint and not to resort to violence or physical attacks,” he added. A car carrying Rajasekhar and his family members was attacked in Panjagutta in the heart of Hyderabad on Sunday morning. The actor, his wife Jeevita and their two teenaged daughters received minor injuries and the windowpanes of the car were smashed in the assault. The actor and his family received treatment at a private hospital. Police registered a case on a complaint by Jeevita, a former actress. She alleged that people in four cars chased them and attacked their vehicle. “They threw stones and chased us. They wanted to kill us. Anything could have happened,” said Jeevita. Following the incident, police stepped up security for Rajasekhar and his family. The actor appealed to Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy to provide security to him and his family members.

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As part of National Campaign promoting " Change & Hope With Chiranjeevi", PRO TELUGU FORUM, USA(chiruforap.com)as oraganized its ninth event in Atlanta on Saturday 01/19/2008.

Despite heavy snowfall and freezing temparture in Atlata,many local area telugu families and Chiranjeevi Wellwishers attended the meeting.

Meeting started with Cake Cutting by children co-ordinated by PTF Atlanta Convener Mr Narasayya Vadranam.

Siva Kumar Arza (Atlanta Area Co-Ordinator) welcommed the audience and started the meeting.Siva Kumar Arza (Atlanta Area Co-Ordinator) welcommed the audience and started the meeting.

Ram Tatineni (Founder,National Convener PTF) has conveyed the "CHANGE & HOPE With Chiranjeevi" message to the audience and explained the importance and historical need of the day for state of Andhra Pradesh to have a new political party under the leadership of Chiranjeevi. Audience agreed to the need of the party and expressed their solidarity for Chiranjeevi.

Several speakers including Samatha,Dara Porika,SriRam, Venkat Raju,Ramki,Harish Sajja,Krishna Mohan,Kiran Kumar,Shridhar Palachola expressed their ideas of how the new party could change the state of AP and India and promissed their support to the new party for Better Andhra Pradesh.

Venkat Raju organized a photo exhibition of vast collection of Chiranjeevi photos dating back to 1985 and everone remembered their days in AP and the exhibition was a great success.

Finally, Mr Nara Vadranam thanked the audiecne for their participation despite the bad weather conditions and applauded the efforts of the volunteers for the meeting RamaKrishna, Krishna Mohan,Siva Kumar, Samatha,Venkat Raju,Sri Ram and others.

This event was covered by TV5 New network and been broadcasted in the news . Here is the link.

Chiranjeevi's daughter elopes, gets married filmi style

Hyderabad: It was as real as reality television can get when Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi's daughter Shreeja got married to her friend Shirish Bharadwaj at an Arya Samaj Temple in Hyderabad on Wednesday morning right in front of TV cameras.

And all this was happening without her father Chiranjeevi's knowledge or consent.

If that wasn't dramatic enough Shreeja even alleged that her parents, who were against her love affair with Sirish, had put her under virtual house arrest for the past one year.

“I thank the police and the media. Both my father and my mother were against this marriage,” Shreeja said.

Nineteen-year-old Shreeja who also raised concerns that her family may try to threaten the couple for marrying without their consent requested the media and police to support her.

“Love is not a crime. If we have hurt any one intentionally or unintentionally, we are sorry. We just want that all should bless us,” Shirish said.

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It is said that Chiranjeevi found very worried followed by the marriage news of his daughter Srija. Srija went out in the morning stating that she is going to her aunt's house. But the family members have seen scrolling on TV9 about Srija's marriage and got shocked. This was said by Allu Aravind. But there is another opinion made rounds in the city. The scrolling appeared for a few seconds on TV9 and ETV and immediately stopped for a while. That happened around 12:30 pm. It was said that there were requests from Chiranjeevi's family not to show the scrolling and keep silent for a while as it's a family issue. Yes, there is big hibernation for a few minutes. No channel showed the news. But at around 2pm, TV9 opened the issue completely showing the video clippings of the event. That pervaded like wild fire in entire state. Looking at the first scrolling, it was said that Allu Aravind and team have tried to approach the venue. But knowing that media cameras already reached there, they avoided. The only inside talk is that if media is not involved, things would have been different.

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The shooting of Sivaji is on at a brisk pace at the AVM Studios in Chennai after shifting camp from Hyderabad. Did you know that the crew along with Superstar had gone on a quiet 15-day schedule to Spain in Europe for a song sequence? The total tour was organized by a local travel operator at Purasawalkam. Folks in Kollywood are quite awed about the unexpected twists and developments in the making of Sivaji.
	Back from Spain, Superstar attended the Poi audio release and he showed no sign of fatigue at the whirlwind pace at which he is working. His son-in-law Dhanush, is also shooting for Puduppettai at the same AVM studio. So, mamanar and marumagan meet up during breaks for a chat. Also, Dhanush’s wife sends him lunch and so the proud father also shared in the delicacies made by his favorite daughter.
The sets for Sivaji are extraordinary with giant guitars, violins and other musical instruments attracting attention of many. Superstar keeps a low profile and after the day’s work, he changes to his trademark pyjama-kurta and dashes off home in his Ambassador 6009 escorted by the ubiquitous commando. All the costars are also having a great time because of the relaxed atmosphere. Shankar’s meticulous planning has ensured that work gets done in a disciplined but fun manner.
Vivek was also spotted in T-shirt. Shreya was also there. A few days ago, Thiagarajan, Prashanth’s father came and met Rajini on the sets. Sources tell us that for this movie Shankar is being paid ten crores and Rahman five crores. The production cost comes to twenty crores. And guess what, the movie has already been sold for a whopping amount, and for reasons obvious the producers don’t want to disclose the figure.
AVM Saravanan, has requested Superstar to release Ultimate Star’s Tirupathi audio, which is scheduled on or before March 15th. And Superstar has agreed to it happily. Then, Superstar and Shankar would be off again for a long overseas schedule for which Shankar has made arrangements already. Guess why? Elections are round the corner in Tamil Nadu and the superstar wants to steer clear of any controversies and speculations. You would get to see him only on the date of voting

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Hi friends, here is some of the information regarding the entry of chiranjeevi into politics.

Whole Andhra Pradesh is waiting for a new party by Megastar.Chiru's political entry has became hot topic in Andhra Pradesh now.He is not revealing his political entry.But every one is expecting him to open a new political party.Mainly his loving fans are waiting for his political entry from more than 5 months.According to chiru's nearest one's talks ,chiranjeevi may announce his party in April or May.His brother Nagababu is already coordinating chiiru fans and some of senior political members.Nagababu and Allu aravind are now busy with arrangements.Actually the party is expected to be announced in march only.But they delayed because of bi-elections.So after bi-elections we can expect Chiranjeevi political party.We can expect a tough competition among chiru party and other main political parties like Congress and TDP.Anyway chiru is coming to serve the people.

Chiru may purchase SURYA daily News Paper? This is the rumor going in filmnagar circles. Surya daily was launched recently and it is of film producer and Congress leader Nukarapu Surya Prakash Rao.

We all know how Eenadu news daily played the role to bring NTR in to power. Now Megastar who is planning to float his own party would like to have a Daily News Paper to support him. So as for our rumor sources, Megastar contacted Surya Paper Chairman Nyukarapu.

But Nukarapu is expecting a Minister
post, if Chiru come in to power in return to his New Paper.

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Hyderabad: In a development that could greatly alter the political landscape in Andhra Pradesh ahead of the 2009 assembly and general elections, the much-dithering Chiranjeevi has finally decided to take the political plunge.

A close aide of Chiru, told that an announcement to this effect would be made by the actor himself either by the New Year or Sankranti. The aide, who is closely involved in the charitable activities of Chiranjeevi, said the actor took the decision after consultations with his well wishers and important leaders and intellectuals from all walks of life.

“Chiru thinks the time is now ripe to take the plunge. All his doubts about the political campaign have been cleared. The pressure to lead a third alternative force has been mounting on him. Not only fans, but several political parties, activists and leading personalities in the state and at national level have been looking forward to his announcement,” the aide said.

A member of the backward Kapu community from Andhra, Chiranjeevi is believed to have kept his stance on Telangana close to his chest and would reveal only after assessing the initial feedback among the public after his political foray, his aides said.

Despite having a huge fan following across the state, Chiranjeevi has kept everyone guessing for the past several years whether he would enter politics. The political scene in the state is currently dominated by the Reddys and the Kammas. But Kapu leaders had wanted the OBCs, including the Kapus, to come together as they are 37 per cent of the population.

“OBCs form the major chunk in the state, and yet do not have a political voice,” a Kapu leader said. It is in this background that several OBC leaders had pleaded with Chiranjeevi to lead a front that can eventually empower politically these backward sections.

OBC leaders are confident the actor would be able to galvanize all into one cohesive group. “One reason for Chiranjeevi’s vacillation was because he did not want to be viewed merely as a leader of Kapus. But now, he has realized that the entire spectrum of backward communities, SCs, STs and minorities are waiting for his arrival on the scene. He is the unifying force that we have been waiting for,” one leader said.

Sources said the actor was in touch with the BSP. “In a way, the battle scheduled for 2009 has already begun. It is no longer a bipolar fight,” one OBC leader exulted in jubilation.

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In a development that could greatly alter the political landscape in the state ahead of the 2009 assembly and general elections, the much-dithering Chiranjeevi has finally decided to take the political plunge.
A close aide of Chiru, as he is popularly called, told TOI that an announcement to this effect would be made by the actor himself either by the New Year or Sankranti. The aide, who is closely involved in the charitable activities of Chiranjeevi, said the actor took the decision after consultations with his well wishers and important leaders and intellectuals from all walks of life.
“Chiru thinks the time is now ripe to take the plunge. All his doubts about the political campaign have been cleared. The pressure to lead a third alternative force has been mounting on him. Not only fans, but several political parties, activists and leading personalities in the state and at national level have been looking forward to his announcement,” the aide said.
A member of the backward Kapu community from Andhra, Chiranjeevi is believed to have kept his stance on Telangana close to his chest and would reveal only after assessing the initial feedback among the public after his political foray, his aides said.
Despite having a huge fan following across the state, Chiranjeevi has kept everyone guessing for the past several years whether he would enter politics. The political scene in the state is currently dominated by the Reddys and the Kammas. But Kapu leaders had wanted the OBCs, including the Kapus, to come together as they are 37 per cent of the population.
“OBCs form the major chunk in the state, and yet do not have a political voice,” a Kapu leader said. It is in this background that several OBC leaders had pleaded with Chiranjeevi to lead a front that can eventually empower politically these backward sections.
OBC leaders are confident the actor would be able to galvanise all into one cohesive group. “One reason for Chiranjeevi’s vacillation was because he did not want to be viewed merely as a leader of Kapus. But now, he has realised that the entire spectrum of backward communities, SCs, STs and minorities are waiting for his arrival on the scene. He is the unifying force that we have been waiting for,” one leader said.
Sources said the actor was in touch with the BSP. “In a way, the battle scheduled for 2009 has already begun. It is no longer a bipolar fight,” one OBC leader exulted in jubilation.
Courtesy: TimesOfIndiaThe cat is finally out of the bag. Film actor Chiranjeevi is testing the ground to announce his new political party. The deadline may be around Sankranti.
A confidante of Chiranjeevi held a luncheon meeting with a select group of newspaper reporters to discuss the feasibility of Chiranjeevi setting up a political party and the impact it would have on the electoral politics. Only four reporters were invited to the "feedback" session. Though Chiranjeevi's proposed plans to set up a party have been in the air for quite long, the film actor actually did not undertake any exercise so far. This is the first time that a feedback session is organised raising speculations that a political party will be announced soon.
Interestingly Chiranjeevi's aide chose to invite reporters of four Telugu dailies, Vaarta, Andhra Jyothy, Eenadu and Andhra Bhoomi. The meeting lasted four hours. The aide will now brief the interaction to the film actor. After weighing all the pros and cons, the film actor will take a final decision before the New Year. His new political party may become a reality by Sankranti, if everything goes on well.
It is to be seen whether the excercise with reporters is just to send feelers and test the ground or is it a genuine exercise to set up the party. Let's wait and see. All through people have been waiting for Chiru to announce a political party. This time the wait is just 40 days

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Bapu has intermixed politics and family problems in the film. There is a lot of reference to the present day politics in the film. For this purpose Bapu introduced a character Kota (Kota Srinivasa Rao) in the film. Kota aspires for the Chief Minister's post and he is seen all the time lobbying for it.

The father of heroine Charmy in the film, Sunil Sharma, is another aspirant for the chief minister's post. Both Kota and Sunil Sharma vie keenly for the chief minister's chair.

In the climax, Sunil Sharma finally manages to sideline Kota and gets within striking distance of the chief minister's chair.

However to the surprise of everyone, Sunil Sharma relinquishes the chair. He gives a reason for this by saying, "How can a person who neglects his daughter and does not take care about her, could look after people's problems sitting in the post of Chief Minister?

Many among the audience were seen shouting Chiranjeevi and Srija! This is an obvious reference to Chiranjeevi's daughter Srija's love marriage. She ran away from home and got married with her lover. Chiranjeevi could not do anything about it except remaining like a mute spectator. In fact she is not entertained by Chiranjeevi after her marriage.

The much awaited ‘Padma award’ finally fell into Chiranjeevi’s neck. A scroll of paper on which the name and purpose of the award transferred from the hands on the President of india into the hands of Chiranjeevi. From now on Chiranjeevi is ‘Padmabhushan’ of Telugu cinema. This was a momentous occasion for Chiranjeevi. After Akkineni Nageswara Rao, the legendary actor of golden era of Telugu cinema, was bestowed with this honor, this was the turn of Chiranjeevi to receive it, as representative of the second generation of actors.

Inspired by Delhi Andhra Association’s warm felicitation, Chiranjeevi said that he wanted such ‘abhimanulu’ to keep him going well. They are his strength he added.

Aswani Dutt who made a number of films with Chiranjeevi hoped that the actor would sure take up more films with social message, like Indra and Tagore. He said that Chiranjeevi’s social responsibility grew as ‘Padmabhushan’. He should entertain his audience, with greater sense of responsibility. The young and old should be inspired by his themes, he added.

Dasari felt that Chiranjeevi has yet to play a role that really matches his talent and personality. He hoped a time would come when Chiranjeevi’s films celebrate platinum and diamond Jubilees.

Chiranjeevi is a great believer of God, especially Hanuman. That is how this Siva Sankara Vara Prasad became Chiranjeevi. He worked with grate devotion to achieve this ambition, to become soon the ‘Mega’ Star of Telugu cinema.

Chiranjeevi opened his innings with ‘Punaadi Raallu’. ‘Pranam Khareedu’ established him. He got an award for the role he played in ‘Manavoori Pandavulu’. It is said that he received Rs.1116/- as remuneration for that film and today he is the highest paid artiste in Telugu cinema. ‘Kothala Rayudu', 'Punnaminagu' 'Intlo Ramayya-Veedhilo Krishnayya' were some of the films that earned name for his performances. But the release of ‘Khaidi’ changed his fate and status instantly. He became a dynamic action star overnight. He began playing some scenes for children. Imitation of Charlie Chaplin in a song is one example. ‘Mestri’ and ‘Apadbhandavudu’ are some more great films. Blood Bank and Eye Bank. ‘Apadbhandavudu’ won him best actor award. In 25 years of film career, he stood out as talented actor for 22 years. He got two more ‘Nandi’ awards and seven Filmfare awards. He bagged national award for his ‘Rudraveena’ that produced and acted.

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chiranjeevi's Response to Sreeja Issue

November 1st, 2007

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CHIRUS" PARTY "TELUGU VELUGU"

The suspense over the issue of Chiranjeevi launching a political party will be over shortly. The megastar is now in a fast forward mode as far his plans for a political party are concerned. He has drafted many people to look into the nitty gritty of starting a political party.

He is now busy finalizing the symbol and the name of his party. According to observers, the name 'Telugu Velugu' is now in serious consideration. The word Telugu strikes a unique chord among all people and it is also close to the title Telugu Desam founded by NTR.

Like NTR, Chiranjeevi also wants to start a political party and ride to power in a record time. There are several symbols in Chiranjeevi's mind. Candle, lantern, kagada etc are being considered seriously.

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Chiru visits Dr Rajashekar’s residence

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Written by btkguy on Jan-29-08 2:13am

From: www.tollycircle.com

Megastar Chiranjeevi visited Dr Rajashekar’s residence in Jubilee Hills .Megastar came along with Allu Arvind. But Dr Rajashekar and Jeevitha were in TV 9 Studio.

So Chiru is waiting at Dr Rajashekar’s residence for Jeevitha Rajashekar and Rajashekar to come back from TV 9 Studios..

Chiru TV9 Prema tho matladuthu- Naa manasu chala bharuvu ga vundi- Dr Rajashekar & Jeevitha tho Matladali ani annaru.