Political leaders extend birthday greetings

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan turned 55 on Wednesday, September 2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to extend birthday greetings, posting on X: "Birthday greetings to Shri Pawan Kalyan Garu. He is widely respected among the people and is at the forefront of adding momentum to the good governance agenda of the NDA in Andhra Pradesh. May he be blessed with a long and healthy life in service of society."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also wished the Jana Sena Party chief, highlighting his contribution to the NDA's development agenda. Shah wrote on X: "Warm birthday wishes to Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh Shri @PawanKalyan Garu. Your dedicated endeavours towards realising the NDA's vision for the development of the state and welfare of the people are commendable. Praying for your good health for continued service to the citizens."

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu extended his wishes on X, writing: "Friends, heartfelt birthday wishes to the president of the Jana Sena Party, Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Pawan Kalyan garu. I sincerely wish that Shri Pawan Kalyan, who remains eternally etched in the hearts of fans as the Power Star, lives a hundred years filled with health and vitality." Naidu went on to praise Kalyan's work in the Panchayati Raj department, citing reforms and development programmes that he said were yielding "excellent results" and ushering in "transformation".

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Kalyan was making "commendable efforts" to serve the people of Andhra Pradesh and contribute to the state's growth. BJP MP Ravi Kishan and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also sent their greetings, according to reports.

Pawan Kalyan responded to the Prime Minister's message on X, expressing gratitude. He wrote: "Your affection and encouragement are deeply humbling and strengthen my resolve to serve the people of Andhra Pradesh with greater commitment." He added that under Modi's leadership and through the NDA's collective strength, they would continue working "with determination for good governance, development, and the welfare of our people."

Family tributes: Chiranjeevi's emotional note, wife's message

Actor Chiranjeevi Konidela, Pawan Kalyan's elder brother, shared a heartfelt birthday message on X, along with three photographs capturing family moments. Chiranjeevi described his younger brother as someone driven by loyalty, responsibility and a desire to serve others. He wrote: "Kalyan Babu, the resolver of resolutions.. PawanKalyan Love filled with loyalty, resolve infused with responsibility, a pure-hearted intent to do good for the people every moment- these are things I've seen in our Kalyan Babu since his childhood."

Chiranjeevi praised Kalyan's work as Deputy Chief Minister, mentioning village development, upliftment of tribal areas, environmental protection and efforts to address people's basic needs. "After taking on the responsibilities of Deputy Chief Minister, he works with dedication toward village development, upliftment of tribal areas, environmental protection, and fulfilling the basic needs of the people, imprinting his unique mark on governance," he wrote. Referring to Kalyan's relationship with the people of Pithapuram, Chiranjeevi said his brother "stands as a steadfast support not just as a public representative, but as a family member."

The megastar, as Chiranjeevi is widely known, also spoke of Kalyan's character since childhood. "He is completely engaged in every work he does and takes every step with the desire to do good to ten people," Chiranjeevi said, according to reports. Chiranjeevi concluded his message by praying to their family deity, Lord Anjaneya Swamy, for his brother's health, long life and continued strength, signing off: "Heartfelt birthday wishes to our Kalyan Babu."

Pawan Kalyan's wife, Anna Konidala, also marked the occasion with a message on Instagram. She wrote: "Celebrating you today. You are in so many hearts, thoughts and prayers - a beautiful reflection of how many lives you have touched and how much you have given to others. Happy Birthday!"

Celebrations and bike rallies across Andhra Pradesh

Kalyan's birthday was marked by festivities and bike rallies across Andhra Pradesh. In Vijayawada, Jana Sena supporters and fans organised a massive bike rally near NTR Circle, with party workers and youth carrying Jana Sena flags. Grand celebrations were also held in Markapuram, where party leaders and cadres took out a bike rally from the party office, passing through the town's main streets.

Jana Sena leaders and workers offered special prayers at the Sri Lakshmi Chennakesava Swamy Temple in Markapuram, praying for Kalyan's long life, good health and continued service to the people. Party leaders said workers would continue to work with dedication, inspired by Kalyan's ideals and spirit of public service.

A career across cinema and politics

Pawan Kalyan, affectionately called "Power Star" by fans, has built a prominent career in both Telugu cinema and politics. He made his acting debut in 1996 with 'Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi' and went on to star in films including 'Tholi Prema', 'Badri', 'Kushi', 'Jalsa', 'Gabbar Singh' and 'Attarintiki Daredi'. His recent releases include 'Vakeel Saab' (2021) and 'Bheemla Nayak' (2022), with 'They Call Him OG', 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu' and 'Ustaad Bhagat Singh' in the pipeline.

Kalyan founded the Jana Sena Party in March 2014 and later transitioned into full-time politics. He assumed office as Andhra Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister following the 2024 state Assembly elections and is associated with the Panchayati Raj, Rural Development and Rural Water Supply departments.

Filmmaker Sujeeth, who is directing Kalyan's upcoming film 'They Call Him OG', shared a birthday message recalling his journey from being a fan to directing the star. "From watching u on the big screen as a fan… to standing behind the camera and saying 'Action' sir. It still feels surreal," Sujeeth wrote. He added: "First my hero. Now my OG."