Pawan Kalyan Reveals Teenage Desire To Join Naxalites, Credits Chiranjeevi
Pawan Kalyan says he once considered joining Naxalites in his teens.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Actor Pawan Kalyan has revealed that he was once deeply influenced by socio-political unrest during his teenage years and even considered joining the Naxalite movement. Speaking in an interview with ANI, he said that intense anger over perceived social injustice led him to contemplate radical action before a turning point in his life redirected his path. Pawan Kalyan said the period between the ages of 17 and 21 was particularly turbulent, as he struggled with ideological confusion and emotional intensity.
He stated that he was strongly drawn to the idea of armed struggle at one point, even expressing that he “wanted to pick up the gun,” driven by frustration over inequality and injustice in society. He added that his mindset during that phase was shaped by global and regional developments that he closely followed. Events such as apartheid in South Africa, the LTTE movement in Sri Lanka, Cold War tensions, unrest in Germany, and Khalistani militancy all contributed to his awareness of political conflict and influenced his thinking as a young adult.
According to Pawan Kalyan, the turning point came when his elder brother, actor Chiranjeevi, intervened and questioned his direction. He said Chiranjeevi asked him to consider his responsibilities toward his family and whether he would still pursue such a path if others depended on him financially and emotionally. This moment, he said, made him pause and reassess his choices. He recalled that his brother’s guidance helped him step away from what he described as a destructive mindset and instead encouraged him to explore more constructive avenues.
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During the same period, Pawan Kalyan said he attempted to channel his thoughts creatively by participating in short film festivals in Mumbai and experimenting with documentary filmmaking, though he felt he was still searching for clarity and purpose. The actor-politician described that phase as mentally overwhelming, stating that he often felt confused and unsettled while trying to make sense of the world around him. Despite his efforts, he said he struggled to find direction until his brother’s intervention helped him ground his thinking and refocus his life path.
Reflecting on his journey, Pawan Kalyan said that while youthful idealism often leads individuals toward extreme ideas, the presence of strong guidance can make a crucial difference. He credited Chiranjeevi for playing that role in his life, helping him move away from violence-oriented thoughts and toward a more constructive path. Over the years, Pawan Kalyan has often spoken about his admiration for Chiranjeevi. At the pre-release event of Ustaad Bhagat Singh, he referred to his brother as his “only hero,” noting that his influence remains deeply embedded in his personal and professional life even as he established himself in cinema and politics.
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