Date:22/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/22/stories/2008082259790500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Physically-challenged person is first member of Chiru’s party

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: A physically-challenged youth, K. Balakrishna Naidu from Chikkadpally, will be the first to be formally enrolled as a member of film actor Chiranjeevi’s political party.

The announcement came from the star after he spent about 15 minutes with the youth.

“You will be first and I will be the second member,” he declared and directed an aide to make a note of the youngster’s address. He also asked T.V. Hanumantha Rao, a former police inspector who is handling security at the party office, to ensure easy passage for Naidu whenever he came.

In the interaction, the youth asked the star not to give up acting entirely and come up with movies like ‘Gharana Mogudu’ at least once every two years. Mr. Chiranjeevi responded saying that even his wife Surekha had the same opinion, adding that it would not be possible for him to act in mainstream cinema any more.

Earlier, when presspersons told him that two physically-challenged people were waiting since morning for an audience with him, Mr. Chiranjeevi asked to see them immediately.

Mr. Chiranjeevi spoke to them for a few minutes and promised to have specialists look into his case.