Kushi to Jalsa: Pawan Kalyan’s best performances

Pawan Kalyan, one of the leading actors of Telugu film industry, turns 44 today. The power star of Tollywood made his debut in the year, 1996, with the film, Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi. The film starred Pawan and Supriya in lead roles. The actor-turned politician is reportedly also the second highest-paid actor in the Telugu film industry. Pawan Kalyan, who had entered the Telugu film industry in the year 1996, has completed 19 years in the industry. Even after so many years, the superstar has a special place in the hearts of the Telugu audience because of his thrilling and power-packed performances. On his birthday, we compile a list of the actor's films that are a must watch for his fans...

Tholi Prema

National Award-winning film, Tholi Prema, is one of the best films of Pawan Kalyan. The romantic film was released in the year 1998 and was directed by A. Karunakaran. Pawan was paired with Keerthi Reddy in the film. Pawan Kalyan essays the role of Balu, a college going guy who falls in love with Anu. The film was reportedly the first big hit in Pawan Kalyan’s career. Apart from a National Award, the film has won six Nandi Awards.

Attarintiki Daredi

Attarintiki Daredi is 2013's highest-grossing Telugu film, starring Pawan Kalyan and Samantha in lead roles. The film is directed by Trivikram Srinivas. Pawan Kalyan had delivered a powerful performance in the film. Reportedly, Attarintiki Daredi was one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of all time until it was surpassed by SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali: The Beginning. The film won four Filmfare Awards South, six SIIMA Awards and six Santosham Film Awards.

Kushi

Kushi, another blockbuster by Pawan Kalyan is a 2001 film directed by SJ Surya. The film stars Bhumika Chawla along with Pawan Kalyan in the lead. Kushi was a remake of the 2000 Tamil film, Kushi. Pawan Kalyan again excelled in the film. His dialogue delivery, fighting, singing and dancing skills enhanced the film's appeal and made it appear different from the original. Reportedly, the film holds the record of being the highest grossing film in the Nizam State of Andhra Pradesh and it was the biggest Telugu hit film in 2001.

Gabbar Singh

2012 Telugu action film, Gabbar Singh, was a huge hit. The film that was directed by Harish Shankar is a remake of the 2010 Hindi film, Dabangg. The film also stars Shruti Hassan in a vital role. Pawan Kalyan's energy levels, dancing, punches and dialogue delivery are impressive in the film. The film has won six CineMAA Awards, two Filmfare Awards South and many other awards.

Jalsa

Jalsa is a story of a boy who is confused between two girls and can't decide as to whom does he love more. The film stars Pawan Kalyan, Ileana D'Cruz and Kamalinee Mukherjee in the lead roles. The film was a major success at the Tollywood box-office. It was also the biggest grosser of the year when it had released.

Gopala Gopala

2015 satirical drama, Gopala Gopala, stars Pawan Kalyan and Daggubati Suresh Babu in lead roles. In this film, Pawan Kalyan plays the character of Lord Krishna. The actor imbibes Krishna's characteristics well. The film had received positive reviews from the critics as well as the audience and turned out to be a blockbuster. Gopala Gopala is a remake of the 2012 Hindi film, OMG – Oh My God!