- By Srishti Pandey
- Wed, 02 Oct 2024 09:11 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Telangana Forests Minister Konda Surekha recently made headlines by linking the divorce of actors Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader KT Rama Rao. Surekha's comments stirred up a massive controversy, drawing strong reactions from both the film industry and political circles. In response, Samantha issued a statement clarifying her stance and urging respect for her privacy.
The controversy began when Konda Surekha alleged that KT Rama Rao was involved in influencing the personal lives of film personalities, including Naga Chaitanya and Samantha. She even claimed that the BRS leader was responsible for the early marriages and exits of several actresses from the film industry, due to his alleged involvement in drug-related blackmail and intimidation.
Veteran actor Nagarjuna Akkineni, Naga Chaitanya’s father, was quick to condemn the minister’s remarks. He stated on social media, “I strongly condemn the comments of the Honorable Minister Mrs. Konda Surekha. Don’t use the lives of movie stars who stay away from politics to criticize your opponents. Please respect other people's privacy.” Calling the comments “completely irrelevant and false,” he urged the minister to retract her statements immediately.
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Image: Nagarjuna Akkineni's tweet (Source: X)
Although KT Rama Rao has not yet responded to the accusations, BRS leader Harish Rao Thanneeru has demanded an unconditional apology from Konda Surekha, calling her comments unfounded and defamatory.
Reacting to the situation, Samantha Ruth Prabhu released a heartfelt statement on her social media. She wrote, “To be a woman, to come out and work, to survive in a glamorous industry where women are more often than not treated as props, to fall in love & to fall out of love, and to still stand up and fight… It takes a lot of courage and strength. Konda Surekha Garu, I am proud of what this journey turned me into. Please don’t trivialize it.”
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Image: Samantha's Instagram Story (Source: Instagram)
Samantha expressed her disappointment at the minister’s remarks and emphasized that her divorce with Naga Chaitanya was a mutual decision made amicably, without any external influence or political conspiracy. She further added, “My divorce is a personal matter, and I request that you refrain from speculating about it. Our choice to keep things private doesn't invite misrepresentation.”
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The actress reiterated her wish to remain non-political and implored the minister to refrain from using her name for political purposes. “Could you please keep my name out of political battles?” she asked, making it clear that she has no intention of being dragged into any controversies.
Samantha and Naga Chaitanya, who tied the knot in 2017, announced their separation in 2021. Both actors have maintained a respectful silence about their divorce, choosing to focus on their respective careers and personal growth. Naga Chaitanya got engaged to actress Sobhita Dhulipala in August this year.