Macho Telugu was a student at the Madras Film Institute and an amateur stage actor. His first public performance was in the Republic Day parade ballet of Andhra Pradesh on 26 January, 1976. His film debut was Punadhirallu (1978). His brother-in-law is producer Allu Aravind. His success started after his negative role in Initilo Ramayya Vidhilo Krishnayya (1981). Most of his memorable characters are 'rowdies' - playing potentially violent people who are always abused by the law. He has been quite successful in Hindi movies as well starting with Pratibandh (1990). He is the highest paid actor in India today and commands a huge fan following not only in Andhra Pradesh, his native state but all over India and his films are released in US, Europe and Asia Pacific as well.

Has two younger brothers- actor/producer Nagendra Babu and actor Pawan Kalyan.

Brother-in-law of producer/actor Allu Aravind.

Son-in-law of actor Allu Ramalingaiah.

He is the founder of the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust, which is the state's largest recipient of Eye and Blood Donations.

Uncle of actor Allu Arjun.

Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award was announced for Chiranjeevi by Government of India on Jan 25, 2006

His favorite comedian is Charlie Chaplin.

His favorite producer is D. Rama Naidu.

His favorite actor is Sean Connery.

His favorite singer is Balasubramaniam S.P..