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Top Telugu Stars Support of Naga-Samantha After Minister’s Divorce Remarks
Updated on: 03 October, 2024 12:46 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Konda Surekha comments
The Telugu film industry recently witnessed a heated controversy following remarks made by Telangana Minister Konda Surekha regarding the divorce of popular actors Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Surekha`s statements, which dragged the couple`s personal lives into political commentary, sparked widespread backlash, prompting responses from the actors and their supporters. The comments have not only enraged the stars` fans but also led to a unified defence from prominent figures in the Telugu film fraternity.
The bold accusation, which suggested that KTR played a role in the high-profile divorce, led to a storm of reactions, particularly because it involved two of South India’s most cherished actors.
Also Read: Malaika Arora To Kalki Koechlin, 5 Actresses Who Became Successful After Divorce
Samantha also addressed the issue via a social media post, saying, “Konda Surekha Garu, I am proud of what this journey turned me into, please don`t trivialise it. I hope you realise that your words carry significant weight as a minister... To clarify: my divorce was mutual consent and amicable, with no political conspiracy involved. Could you please keep my name out of political battles?”
In solidarity with the actors, several top Telugu stars, including Jr NTR, Allu Arjun, and Chiranjeevi, voiced their disapproval. Jr NTR took to social media, writing, “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.”
Similarly, Allu Arjun condemned the comments, stating, “This behaviour is deeply disrespectful and goes against the values of our Telugu culture... Such irresponsible actions should not be accepted as normal.”
In response to the backlash, Konda Surekha clarified that her remarks were not intended to hurt Samantha but were aimed at questioning KTR’s treatment of women. She stated, “If you or your fans are offended by my comments, I unconditionally retract my comments. Don’t think otherwise.”
Minister’s Comments Spark Controversy
Konda Surekha`s remarks came as a shock to many when she alleged that KT Rama Rao (KTR), a former minister, was involved in tapping the phones of actresses and blackmailing them. In relation to this, she claimed, “It is KT Rama Rao because of whom (actress) Samantha`s divorce happened... He was a minister at that time and 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 bold accusation, which suggested that KTR played a role in the high-profile divorce, led to a storm of reactions, particularly because it involved two of South India’s most cherished actors.
Also Read: Malaika Arora To Kalki Koechlin, 5 Actresses Who Became Successful After Divorce
Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Respond
Both Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu were quick to dismiss the baseless claims. Naga Chaitanya, coming from the powerful Akkineni family, responded, “Today, the claim made by Minister Konda Surekha Garu is not only false; it is absolutely ridiculous and unacceptable. Women deserve to be supported and respected. Taking advantage of and exploiting the personal life decisions of celebrities for the sake of media headlines is shameful.”Samantha also addressed the issue via a social media post, saying, “Konda Surekha Garu, I am proud of what this journey turned me into, please don`t trivialise it. I hope you realise that your words carry significant weight as a minister... To clarify: my divorce was mutual consent and amicable, with no political conspiracy involved. Could you please keep my name out of political battles?”
Jr NTR, Allu Arjun, and Chiranjeevi Air Their Sentiments
The minister’s remarks drew sharp criticism not only from the couple but also from their industry peers. Naga Chaitanya`s father, Nagarjuna Akkineni, strongly condemned the comments, urging the minister to “respect other people`s privacy” and asking her to “withdraw your comments immediately.”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
In solidarity with the actors, several top Telugu stars, including Jr NTR, Allu Arjun, and Chiranjeevi, voiced their disapproval. Jr NTR took to social media, writing, “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.”
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…
Similarly, Allu Arjun condemned the comments, stating, “This behaviour is deeply disrespectful and goes against the values of our Telugu culture... Such irresponsible actions should not be accepted as normal.”
#FilmIndustryWillNotTolerate pic.twitter.com/sxTOyBZStB
— Allu Arjun (@alluarjun) October 3, 2024
In response to the backlash, Konda Surekha clarified that her remarks were not intended to hurt Samantha but were aimed at questioning KTR’s treatment of women. She stated, “If you or your fans are offended by my comments, I unconditionally retract my comments. Don’t think otherwise.”
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