Star-turned-politician Chiranjeevi following the path

Andhra Pradesh: The temple town of Tirupati in southern Andhra Pradesh continues to be the favourite launching pad for the political careers of film stars.

Former star and Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi on Saturday filed his nomination papers for the Tirupati assembly constituency with great fanfare.

Twenty-seven years ago, the then Telugu film superstar and founder of Telugu Desam, N.T. Rama Rao, also contested his maiden election in this constituency.

Chiranjeevi flew in to Tirupati from Rajahmundry to file his nomination.

Before Chiranjeevi's arrival, his son, film star Ramcharan Teja and wife Surekha, together with other family members, offered special pooja at the Sri Venkateshwara temple atop Tirumala Hills and placed Chiranjeevi's papers at the feet of the temple's main deity.

After receiving a rousing reception from his supporters, Chiranjeevi drove straight to the office of the divisional officer to file his nomination.

Chiranjeevi, who is also contesting the Palacole constituency in West Godavari district, will be locked in a three-way contest with Congress' Karunakar Reddy and Telugu Desam's Shankar Reddy.

A rebel Praja Rajyam candidate may also come into play.