A few days ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan to an enthusiastic gathering of NDA MPs with the words, “Yeh Pawan nahi hai, aandhi hai (He is not a breeze, but a storm).” This statement resonated powerfully as Kalyan’s Jana Sena Party (JSP) had just taken the political scene by storm, securing a historic victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha and Andhra Pradesh assembly elections, winning every seat it contested.
Now, this ‘storm’, Pawan Kalyan, has assumed a new role, taking charge as a minister in N. Chandrababu Naidu’s cabinet in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday.
The Power Star Pawan Kalyan
Pawan Kalyan, a towering figure in the Telugu film industry, has left an indelible mark on Tollywood through his remarkable acting career and influential persona. Born on September 2, 1971, in Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan began his entertainment career with his debut film “Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi” in 1996. Since then, his charismatic screen presence and versatile performances have captivated audiences.
Pawan Kalyan’s ascent to stardom is attributed to his unique ability to resonate with the masses through his films. He has portrayed a wide range of characters, from the rebellious youth in “Thammudu” to the vigilante in “Gabbar Singh.” His films often address social issues, reflecting his strong convictions and earning him a loyal fan base that extends beyond cinema.
Beyond his acting prowess, Pawan Kalyan is also celebrated for his philanthropic endeavors and political activism.
The Political Journey
Known as the ‘Power Star’ due to his dynamic roles in action movies, Pawan Kalyan entered the political arena in 2008 by joining his brother Chiranjeevi’s Praja Rajyam Party (PRP). Despite initial enthusiasm, PRP failed to make a significant impact and eventually merged with the Congress party, marking the end of Kalyan’s first political venture.
In 2014, Kalyan founded the Jana Sena Party (JSP) but chose not to contest the elections, instead supporting the TDP-BJP alliance, which emerged victorious.
The JSP contested its first assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh independently in 2019, suffering a significant defeat. Kalyan himself lost in both constituencies he contested. The party managed to win only one seat, but the sole MLA later defected to the YSR Congress party. Despite this setback, Kalyan remained undeterred, raising his voice against the ruling YSRCP and Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy on various issues.
In the latter half of 2022, Kalyan initiated ‘Jana Vani’, a series of small public meetings to listen to people’s grievances. His dedication to fighting for public issues, despite the 2019 defeat, earned him recognition. When the YSRCP government cracked down on one such meeting in Visakhapatnam and arrested JSP cadres, it helped rekindle the alliance between TDP chief Naidu and Pawan Kalyan.
Kalyan also persistently reached out to BJP leaders, including Amit Shah and JP Nadda, despite initial lukewarm responses. His perseverance paid off, culminating in a pre-poll alliance among TDP, JSP, and BJP announced in March.
As Pawan Kalyan takes on his new ministerial role, his journey from a Tollywood superstar to a political powerhouse stands as a testament to his resilience and unyielding spirit.
