Top Telugu film stars condemn minister's remarks linking Chaitanya-Samantha divorce to KT Rama Rao
Hyderabad: Prominent Telugu film industry stars have united to condemn Telangana Minister Konda Surekha's recent remarks that linked Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader KT Rama Rao to the divorce of actors Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The comments have sparked a widespread backlash, with several celebrities voicing their strong disapproval.
Veteran actor Chiranjeevi expressed his dismay on social media, stating that he was "extremely pained" by the "disgraceful remarks" made by the minister. “It is a shame that celebrities and members of the film fraternity become soft targets as they provide instant reach and attention. We as the film industry stand united in opposing such vicious verbal assaults on our members,” he said. He urged politicians to refrain from dragging unconnected people and more so women into political disputes and to maintain a higher standard of public discourse.
I am extremely pained to see the disgraceful remarks made by an honourable woman minister.
— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) October 3, 2024
It is a shame that celebs and members of film fraternity become soft targets as they provide instant reach and attention. We as Film Industry stand united in opposing such vicious verbal…
Actor NT Rama Rao Junior (Jr NTR), known for his role in RRR, also condemned the remarks, terming them a "new low" and urging politicians to maintain dignity and respect for others’ privacy. “Public figures, especially those in responsible positions, must maintain decorum. We will not sit quietly while others make baseless allegations against us. We must ensure our society does not normalize such reckless behavior in democratic India,” Jr NTR said.
Konda Surekha garu, dragging personal lives into politics is a new low. Public figures, especially those in responsible positions like you, must maintain dignity and respect for privacy. It’s disheartening to see baseless statements thrown around carelessly, especially about the…
— Jr NTR (@tarak9999) October 2, 2024
Another leading actor, Allu Arjun, took to social media to register his objection, using the hashtag "#FilmIndustryWillNotTolerate." He criticised the minister’s comments as deeply disrespectful, saying, “Such behavior goes against the values of our Telugu culture. Irresponsible actions like these should not be accepted as normal. I urge all parties involved to act responsibly and respect individual privacy, especially that of women.”
#FilmIndustryWillNotTolerate pic.twitter.com/sxTOyBZStB
— Allu Arjun (@alluarjun) October 3, 2024
Actor Nani echoed similar sentiments, calling the remarks “disgusting” and criticized politicians for making irresponsible comments. He emphasised that the issue is not limited to the film industry but reflects a general disregard for responsibility among those in positions of power.
Disgusting to see politicians thinking that they can get away talking any kind of nonsense. When your words can be so irresponsible it’s stupid of us to expect that you will have any responsibility for your people. It’s not just about actors or cinema. This is not abt any…
— Nani (@NameisNani) October 2, 2024
Minister Surekha’s remarks came while she was accusing BRS leader KT Rama Rao of allegedly tapping the phones of actresses and using their private information to blackmail them. “It is because of KT Rama Rao that Samantha’s divorce happened. He used to tap the phones of the actresses and then find their weaknesses to blackmail them... He used to make them drug addicts and then do this... Everyone knows this, Samantha, Naga Chaitanya, his family, everybody is aware that such a thing happened,” the minister said.
Veteran actor Nagarjuna Akkineni, Naga Chaitanya’s father, strongly condemned Minister Surekha’s comments, urging her to respect others’ privacy and avoid using the lives of movie stars to criticize political opponents. He requested the minister to withdraw her comments immediately.
Naga Chaitanya responded, stating that the divorce decision was a mutual one, taken after much consideration. “There have been various baseless and completely ridiculous gossips on the matter so far. I have remained silent out of respect for my former spouse and family. However, the claim made by Minister Konda Surekha is not only false but also absolutely ridiculous and unacceptable,” he said.
— chaitanya akkineni (@chay_akkineni) October 2, 2024
Samantha Ruth Prabhu also responded, saying it takes immense strength for a woman to survive in the film industry, where women are often treated as props. “Konda Surekha Garu, I am proud of what this journey turned me into, please don’t trivialize it. My divorce is a personal matter, and I request you to refrain from speculating about it. Our choice to keep things private doesn’t invite misrepresentation,” she said.
Amid the widespread criticism, Minister Surekha issued a clarification, stating that her remarks were aimed at questioning KT Rama Rao's "belittling of women" and were not intended to hurt Samantha Prabhu’s sentiments. “The way you have grown up with self-power is not only an admiration for me but also an ideal. If you or your fans are offended by my comments, I unconditionally retract them,” she said.
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Delegation requests for Karnataka HC Bench in coastal districts, hands petition to Chief Justice
Udupi: A delegation of the High Court Bench Struggle Committee met and submitted a petition to the Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru at the Circuit House urging the opening of a High Court Bench in the coastal belt as well as a Mobile High Court Bench in Mangaluru.
MLC and convener of the Committee Ivan D’Souza, who spoke to the Chief Justice on the occasion, explained that the people of the coastal belt find it difficult to travel to Bengaluru to fight a petition in the High Court. The problem only aggravated during monsoon. D’Souza added that there was a delay in clearing the cases of Udupi, Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu districts, which was causing further inconvenience to the people.
The MLC, who pointed out that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had also shown his preference for establishing a High Court Bench in the coastal region, requested for an approval to establish a Mobile High Court Bench first.
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Responding to this request, Chief Justice Bakhru assured to take action on the request as soon as possible.
The delegation included Mangalore Bar Association President Raghavendra HV, Dakshina Kannada Principal Government Pleader MP Noronha, General Secretary Sridhar H, Udupi Bar Association President Reynold Praveen Kumar, General Secretary Chandrashekhar Shetty, Vice-president Devadas V Shettigar and Brahmavar Bar Association President Kadoor Praveen Shetty.
