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Actor Prabhas has captured the nation’s heart with his magnetic screen presence and effortlessly charming off-screen persona. With a string of blockbuster hits and a rapidly growing global fanbase, he has firmly cemented his place as India’s undisputed superstar. Every film he stars in turns into a grand celebration, and every performance leaves audiences spellbound. As this adored star celebrates his birthday this month, the buzz is electrifying, and it’s not just in India but around the world. Born on October 23, 1979, Prabhas is one of the few stars in Indian cinema who effortlessly combine regal dignity with genuine humility on screen. Starting his career in Telugu cinema, he rose to fame with films such as Varsham, Chatrapathi, and Mirchi, but it was S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali series that earned him international acclaim. Known for his calm demeanour, relentless dedication, and hard work, Prabhas has become a beloved figure from South India to Bollywood. Beyond acting, he inspires millions with his simple personality and disciplined lifestyle. One of the highest-paid actors in Indian cinema, Prabhas featured in the 2015 Forbes India Celebrity 100 list and is popularly known as the ‘Rebel Star’. He has received seven Filmfare Award nominations, a Nandi Award, and a SIIMA Award, cementing his global recognition. His journey to stardom is not just about blockbuster films but also about a rare dedication that led him to forsake wealth and take a huge financial risk for a director’s vision, an anecdote often shared in interviews. In 2013, the acclaimed director S.S. Rajamouli cast Prabhas in his ambitious project Baahubali: The Beginning. This was more than a film, it was a commitment for life. Rajamouli made it clear the project would take at least five years, during which Prabhas could not take on any other films. At the height of his career and busy schedule in Telugu cinema, Prabhas accepted the challenge without hesitation, dedicating five years solely to Baahubali. However, his greatest sacrifice went beyond foregoing other films. Amid the shooting, he received numerous lucrative offers from national and international brands, worth between Rs 80 to 100 million, for endorsements. Yet, he declined all of them. His reasoning was straightforward: endorsements would require him to alter his look and physique, which would conflict with the role of Baahubali. He refused to let outside commitments distract him or compromise the director’s vision, costing him crores at the peak of his career. After completing Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, Rajamouli visited Prabhas’s home, deeply moved by his unwavering dedication. He presented Prabhas with an envelope containing a cheque for Rs 100 million, not as remuneration for the film, but as compensation for the advertising deals he had turned down to remain true to the vision. Rajamouli insisted this was his rightful due. True to his humble nature, Prabhas initially refused the money, saying he made the film not for profit but for the invaluable experience and honour of working with Rajamouli. For him, the director’s trust was the greatest reward. Overwhelmed by Prabhas’s simplicity and commitment, Rajamouli persuaded him to accept the sum. This episode highlights that Prabhas is not merely a star, but a genuine artist who values his craft and loyalty to his director above all else in the glamorous world of cinema.
