When you search for “Pan India Star” on Google, the first name to appear is actor Prabhas. Known for his widespread presence across the nation, Prabhas is a trailblazer in Indian cinema. He is the first Indian actor whose six films have grossed over ₹100 crore worldwide on their opening day. Furthermore, he is the first South Indian actor whose six films have earned more than ₹100 crore in the Hindi-speaking regions.
Prabhas’s Journey to Stardom
Prabhas’s real name is Uppalapati Venkata Suryanarayana Prabhas Raju. Born in Madras (now Chennai) to Uppalapati Suryanarayana and Siva Kumari, Prabhas comes from a family with deep roots in the film industry. Despite his lineage, he initially had no plans to pursue acting. Instead, he was passionate about food and wanted to start a hotel business. However, his uncle, renowned Telugu actor Krishnam Raju, persuaded him to give acting a try.
The Rise of a Superstar
Prabhas made his debut in 2002 with the film “Eeswar,” which did not perform well at the box office. His subsequent film, “Raghavendra,” also failed to make an impact. However, his breakthrough came with the 2004 film “Varsham,” which established him as a popular actor and a rising star. Following this, he delivered several hits, including “Chakram,” “Yogi,” “Ek Niranjan,” and “Rebel.”
The real game-changer for Prabhas was the “Baahubali” series. “Baahubali: The Beginning” (2015) and “Baahubali: The Conclusion” (2017) catapulted him to international fame. “Baahubali: The Conclusion” alone grossed over ₹1810 crore, becoming the second-highest-grossing film in Indian cinema history.
Fan Frenzy and Global Appeal
Prabhas’s immense popularity is evident from the fan frenzy surrounding his films. Cities in South India are often decorated in his honor before the release of his movies. After the release of “Baahubali,” he reportedly received over 6000 marriage proposals, which he declined due to his film commitments. Prabhas’s fan base extends beyond India, with a significant following in Japan and Russia. In fact, a Russian fan once tattooed Prabhas’s face on her back after the release of “Baahubali.”
Beyond Acting: A Love for Nature and Food
Apart from his cinematic achievements, Prabhas has a deep love for nature and food. He adopted the Kazi Palli forest reserve near Hyderabad, which spans 1650 acres. A foodie at heart, Prabhas loves biryani and once considered opening a chain of hotels. He is also a fan of Bollywood director Rajkumar Hirani and Hollywood actor Robert De Niro.
Achievements and Accolades
Prabhas has several accolades to his name. He is the first South Indian actor to have a wax statue at Madame Tussauds. His film “Baahubali: The Beginning” is the only non-English film to be screened at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Additionally, a 50,000 square feet poster of Prabhas created by United Media Company in Kochi earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Current Highlights
Prabhas’s recent film “Kalki 2898 AD” has surpassed the ₹1000 crore mark in earnings, further cementing his status as a box office powerhouse. He has over 12.8 million followers on Instagram, showcasing his popularity on social media.
Summing Up
Prabhas’s journey from a food enthusiast aspiring to open a hotel chain to becoming a Pan-India superstar is nothing short of inspirational. His dedication to his craft, love for nature, and connection with his fans make him a unique and beloved figure in Indian cinema.