Not Khans, not Bachchan – Meet the 90s superstar who charged Rs 1.25 crore first: Chiranjeevi’s unmatched rise and the legacy that rewrote stardom rules

Before the Khans ruled Bollywood, Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi revolutionized Indian cinema by becoming the highest-paid actor, surpassing even Amitabh Bachchan. In 1992, he commanded an unprecedented Rs 1.25 crore per film, setting a new financial benchmark and inspiring other legends like Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth. His legacy redefined stardom and paved the way for future generations of high-earning superstars.