calender_icon.png 9 June, 2025 | 3:45 PM

‘Amma is the magic that holds us together and the reason behind our strong family bond’

09-03-2025 12:00:00 AM

The mega force behind Megastar Chiranjeevi is his mother Anjanamma. Chiranjeevi and his four siblings share a great bond with Anjanamma.

On the occasion of Women's Day, Anjanamma, along with her children Chiranjeevi, Naga Babu, Vijaya Durga, and Madhavi, participated in an interview together and shared many things about their relationship and bonding.

Who among the five children used to be naughty in childhood?

Anjanamma: I think he was the naughtiest among the lot.

Chiranjeevi: Amma, please know the difference between playful, lively, naughty, and enthusiastic, and answer the question. I have a good image in public. Please don't ruin it by saying that I was naughty.

On whom among the five children did you focus the most?

Naga Babu: Pawan Kalyan, he used to not eat anything. I used to crib a lot if something was cooked that I didn't like. Annayya used to adjust and eat whatever was cooked. Kalyan used to eat well if something he liked was cooked, but if not, he used to silently leave without eating. He used to silently protest about food. He was also physically weak in childhood. Thus, Amma used to focus on him a lot.

What was the advice Anjanamma gave to her daughters?

Vijaya: She always taught us not to be dependent and to be independent in our lives, which helped us a lot.

Madhavi: When I was in a depressed phase and separated from everyone, Amma assured me that she was there for me no matter what. That support gave me a lot of confidence. We are not as strong and are more sensitive toward our children, but she is very strong.

We heard that you trained your children in music and dance. Is it true?

Chiranjeevi: Amma used to send Vijaya for dance training. I used to take her to the training centre. She didn’t learn, but I learned while taking her to those dance classes. In a way, Vijaya is the reason behind me becoming a dancing star. I used to learn just by watching kids dance in those classes. I still remember those steps.

Who among the five children used to work a lot and who worked the least?

Naga Babu: Annayya used to do all the work, and after that, Vijaya used to help. I didn’t do anything. Annayya was the one who worked the hardest. He also used to get beaten by Nanna a lot. Even after all that, Annayya is the most hyperactive among us. Generally, the eldest son will be sober and calm, but Annayya is completely opposite.

Did you put restrictions on your children while they were growing up or give them freedom?

Naga Babu: Our parents were more broad-minded than us. We are currently protective and afraid for our kids, but our parents gave us a lot of freedom. That’s the reason why they allowed Annayya to pursue a career in acting and try his luck in the field. Annayya was also responsible and always strived hard to reach greater heights for the freedom our parents gave.

Chiranjeevi: Their freedom made me more responsible and helped me restrict myself from any distractions that came my way.

Your relationship with Surekha (Chiranjeevi's wife)?

Anjanamma: She is my daughter, not my daughter-in-law. Such bonding we share with each other.

Everyone knows that you are a beautiful joint family. What was the main reason behind everyone inculcating this feeling within the family?

Chiranjeevi: Amma was the eldest child in her family. When her father passed away, she had three other sisters. Our father also raised them along with us. He used to look after them and our Ammamma. He was the foundation for looking after the family. Amma is continuing that tradition and keeping us united. We have learned the same thing from them.

Who among the five children takes the most care of Anjanamma?

Naga Babu: Annayya. He understands her the most among us all. He can sense every minute thing about her. Thus, we feel safe and relieved about Amma whenever she is with Annayya.

Chiranjeevi: Whenever Amma is at my home, everyone will come and talk to her, and the house will be lively every day. Even Naga Babu and my sisters visit my home almost every day and spend time with Amma.