Who among the five children was the naughtiest in childhood?
Anjanamma: I think Chiranjeevi was the naughtiest among the lot.
Chiranjeevi: Amma, please know the difference between playful, lively, naughty, and enthusiastic, and answer the question. I have a good image in public. Please don't ruin it by saying I was naughty.
On whom among the five children did you focus the most?
Naga Babu: Kalyan Babu (Pawan Kalyan) required the most attention. He was a quiet child who would silently leave without eating if he didn’t like the food. He was also physically weak as a child, so Amma always focused more on him.
What advice did Anjanamma give to her daughters?
Vijaya: She always encouraged us to be independent and self-reliant, which helped us immensely.
Madhavi: When I was in a difficult phase, Amma stood by me, ensuring I felt her support. Her strength gave me courage during tough times.
How did your mother’s strength influence your family bond?
Chiranjeevi: Even my daughter Sreeja says that talking to Amma makes her feel positive and strong. That’s the courage she instills in all of us.
Naga Babu: Amma’s hug is the best thing for me. Though she didn’t have much education or exposure, she ensured our family stayed united. She is the invisible force that holds us together.
Were there any unforgettable sad moments in your childhood?
Chiranjeevi: One tragic incident still moves me to tears. Amma lost three children either to miscarriage or in their infancy. When I was in sixth grade, our sister Ramana passed away due to a brain tumor. Amma and I had to carry her body home in a rickshaw. Our father wasn’t home at the time, and we didn’t know how to perform the final rites. Our Muslim neighbors helped us with the rituals.
Did Anjanamma train her children in music or dance?
Chiranjeevi: Amma used to send my sister Vijaya for dance training. I accompanied her to the classes. Interestingly, Vijaya didn’t pursue it much, but I learned dance by observing others. In a way, Vijaya is the reason I became a dancing star.
Who worked the hardest among the five siblings?
Naga Babu: Annayya (Chiranjeevi) worked the hardest. He did all the chores and took most of the responsibilities. He was the most hyperactive and dedicated among us.
Did your parents impose restrictions while you were growing up?
Naga Babu: Our parents were very broad-minded. They gave us a lot of freedom, which allowed Annayya to pursue a career in acting. That freedom made Annayya more responsible and focused.
Chiranjeevi: Their trust in me helped me stay grounded and avoid distractions.
What is your relationship with Surekha (Chiranjeevi’s wife)?
Anjanamma: Surekha is like my daughter, not just my daughter-in-law. We share a strong bond filled with love and respect.
How did your family maintain such strong unity and bonding?
Chiranjeevi: Our father played a key role. After her father’s death, Amma had to take care of her three sisters. My father not only supported our family but also helped Amma’s family stay together. Amma continues that tradition, keeping all of us close.
Who takes the most care of Anjanamma now?
Naga Babu: Annayya (Chiranjeevi) takes the most care of Amma. He understands her the most and keeps track of her well-being. Whenever she’s at Annayya’s house, our family visits often, and the home becomes lively with Amma’s presence.
What advice does Anjanamma give to this generation?
Anjanamma: I believe families should always stay together. Love and affection between family members are becoming rare these days. I feel family unity is the most important thing.
Chiranjeevi: Family bonds are more valuable than money or properties. Amma’s strength in keeping us together has taught us that wealth cannot replace family love and support.
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