Anshu Ambani asks fans to put Trinadha Rao Nakkina controversy to rest after director's apology
New Delhi, Jan 14: Actor Anshu Ambani on Tuesday urged fans to move past the controversy over "Mazaka" director Trinadha Rao Nakkina's comments about her body and focus on the release of their upcoming Telugu film.
At the teaser launch event of "Mazaka" on Sunday, Nakkina's comments about Ambani's body type and "size" drew sharp criticism on social media and within the industry, leading the director to apologise to the actor publicly. He also said the remarks were made in "jest".
Ambani, in a video statement shared on social media, downplayed the incident and called Nakkina "the loveliest man on the planet".
"I believe his words may have been taken out of context... He has treated me as a member of his family. I've worked on this movie for 60 days, and I have been given nothing but respect, love, and lots of good wishes. Please, everybody, if we can put this to bed because I'm so excited about the movie.
"I feel we should all watch the film for the right reasons. Trinadha sir has been an absolute pleasure to work with. I could not have asked for a better director to bring me back to the Telugu film industry. I'm grateful that he has been guiding me through this process. I have nothing but love and gratitude for him and the entire team," the London-born actor said in the clip.
On Monday, Nakkina released a video statement and apologised for the comments he made, calling them "unfortunate".
“I made those comments in jest, hoping to make everyone laugh. However, if these remarks have hurt you, this is my mistake. I would like to issue a heartfelt apology, as they were objectionable. I will also personally apologise to Anshu. I didn’t realise this would become such a significant issue," he said.
Ambani, known for Telugu films "Manmadhudu" and "Raghavendra", and Tamil title "Jai", is returning to Telugu cinema after over 20 years with "Mazaka", which will release in theatres on February 21.
🚨Actress #Anshu responds to director #TrinadhaRao's inappropriate comments #tollywoodactress #SankranthikiVasthunam pic.twitter.com/uewluesuYf
— Bharat Media (@bharatmediahub) January 14, 2025
Director apologies for Indecent Comments on his film heroine. #TrinadhaRaoNakkina pic.twitter.com/5wSKjianaU
— Telugu Cineverse (@TeluguCineverse) January 13, 2025
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Rare Kalyani Chalukya-era stepwell discovered in Karnataka’s Gadag district
Gadag: A centuries-old stepwell from the Kalyani Chalukya period is discovered into public in Sudi, a remote village in Karnataka’s Gadag district. The Nagakunda Pushkarani, dating to the 10th-11th century CE, is undergoing extensive restoration under the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage’s ‘Adopt a Monument’ scheme.
The stepwell was focal point of community life and craftsmanship under the reign of Akkadevi, sister of Chalukya king Jayasimha II. It shows the dynasty’s mastery of architecture and water management. Its interior walls are carved with the precision of temple façades, setting it apart from most surviving stepwells in southern India, linking it stylistically to examples in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
After centuries of neglect left its sculptures weathered and its waters dry, the site is now being revived by the Deccan Heritage Foundation India in partnership with Heritage Matters, the Gandipet Welfare Society and the Water Literacy Foundation according to a report published by The HIndu. Work includes structural repairs, removal of invasive vegetation, dredging, stone resetting and landscaping, alongside the restoration of an adjacent mantapa with a large Ganesha idol.
Heritage architect B. Sarath Chandra noted, the project is as much about functionality as aesthetics, with water recharge efforts already underway. Funded by Gandipet Welfare Society founder Rajashree Pinnamenni, the restoration is slated for completion by late 2025, followed by a second phase linking the stepwell to the Jodu Kalasadagudi temple through landscaped pathways.
The report mentions that officials say the revival of Nagakunda Pushkarani could not only reintroduce Sudi’s Chalukya heritage to a wider audience but also serve as a model for conserving other lesser-known monuments across Karnataka.
