In a recent interview, Anjana Devi, the mother of Jana Sena president and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, opened up about several personal and intriguing aspects of her son’s life. Her insights offer a rare glimpse into the childhood, family dynamics, and motivations of the actor-turned-politician, highlighting the journey that led Pawan to where he is today. Here’s a detailed look at the key points she discussed in the interview.
Pawan Kalyan’s Childhood and Simplicity:
Anjana Devi fondly recalled Pawan’s simple and humble nature during his childhood. She mentioned that he was never one to ask for anything or complain about the hardships he faced. “No matter how hard he worked, he would never tell us that he struggled,” she said. She also shared a sweet memory of how much Pawan loved the dishes she made, especially pulav, which was his favorite.
She further explained that Pawan’s simplicity was evident in his lifestyle. “Whether at home or outside, he was always the same. He would sleep on the sofa after returning from shooting without any complaints,” she noted, emphasizing his down-to-earth attitude, which persisted even after becoming a star.
Annaprasana at Tirumala:
One of the most heartwarming anecdotes from the interview was when Anjana Devi shared the story of Pawan Kalyan’s Annaprasana (a Hindu ritual marking the first intake of food). During this ceremony, held at the Tirumala temple, various items such as a sword, pen, and books were placed in front of baby Pawan as part of a traditional ritual. Anjana Devi recalled with a smile how Pawan chose the sword first. “At that moment, I thought to myself that he would grow up to be quite strong-willed,” she said, suggesting that this early choice hinted at his later boldness and passion.
Influence of Pawan’s Father:
Pawan Kalyan’s father, Venkat Rao, also had a significant influence on him. Anjana Devi revealed that Pawan was closer to his father and inherited many of his traits. Known for his reserved and soft-spoken nature, Pawan’s father had a deep connection with him. “He would speak less, but his actions spoke louder,” she recalled. This influence shaped Pawan into the man he is today, someone who values hard work, simplicity, and humility.
Love for Reading:
Anjana Devi also shed light on Pawan Kalyan’s love for reading, which developed later in his schooling years. She explained that although he wasn’t particularly inclined toward academics in his early school days, his habit of reading books grew during his teenage years, especially when his elder brother introduced him to libraries. This passion for reading continued into adulthood, with Pawan often surrounding himself with books at home. “I used to wonder how he had so many thoughts, but then I’d look at all the books and it made sense,” she said.
Close Bond with Chiranjeevi:
Speaking about Pawan Kalyan’s relationship with his siblings, especially his elder brother Chiranjeevi, Anjana Devi highlighted their strong bond. She said that Chiranjeevi played a key role in looking after Pawan during their younger days, taking him under his wing and ensuring that he was well taken care of. “Though Pawan was close to his second brother too, it was Chiranjeevi who had the stronger connection,” she explained.
Pawan Kalyan’s Decision to Enter Politics:
When Pawan Kalyan decided to enter politics and start the Jana Sena Party, Anjana Devi admitted that she initially had concerns. “I wondered why he needed to enter politics when he had a successful career in films,” she said. However, she never imposed her will on him, letting him pursue his own path. Pawan’s passion for public service became clear to her when she saw how committed he was to the cause. “He would always say, ‘I will do both, films and politics,’ and I let him follow his heart,” she added.
Now, with Pawan completing 100 days as the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Anjana Devi expressed pride in how far he has come. “All the hard work he has done is now paying off. He has been given the opportunity to serve the people, and I believe his responsibilities have only grown,” she said, with a sense of satisfaction.
Anjana Devi’s interview sheds light on the various facets of Pawan Kalyan’s life, from his simple upbringing to his rise as a political leader. Her reflections on his childhood, family relationships, and his determination to serve the public paint a picture of a man deeply rooted in his values and driven by a sense of responsibility toward his people.
This personal insight from Pawan Kalyan’s mother adds a deeper layer to the public figure we know, showing how family and upbringing played an integral role in shaping him into the leader he is today.