In a significant development, actor Akkineni Nagarjuna has filed a defamation case against Telangana Minister and Congress leader Konda Surekha following her controversial remarks regarding the divorce of his son, actor Naga Chaitanya, and actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu. This legal action came just hours after Surekha, who serves as the state’s Minister for Forests, Environment, and Endowments, issued a public apology for her comments.
The Controversy
On Wednesday, Nagarjuna had expressed his strong objections to Surekha’s statements, which accused Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K T Rama Rao of being responsible for the celebrity couple’s separation. Surekha’s remarks quickly drew backlash from the Telugu film fraternity, with several prominent stars criticizing her for politicizing the couple’s personal lives to target a political rival.
In response, Nagarjuna filed the defamation case under BNS section 356 at the Nampally court, asserting that Surekha had made the remarks with the intent to tarnish the reputation of the Akkineni family. His son, Naga Chaitanya, also shared a copy of the complaint on social media, further amplifying the public interest in the case.
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Surekha’s Apology
The controversy stems from Surekha’s comments on Wednesday, where she alleged that K T Rama Rao was the reason behind the divorce. Her statements led to intense criticism, with notable Telugu film stars calling out her for making such accusations. Jr NTR, Nani, and Prakash Raj were among the actors who voiced their displeasure, stating that they wouldn’t “sit quietly” while their personal lives were used for political gain.
However, on Thursday, Surekha issued an apology, acknowledging that her remarks were made in the heat of the moment. “I apologise for my remarks about the divorce of film stars; I should not have taken their names or mentioned their family. I said it during an emotional outburst,” Surekha said, explaining that she had been distressed by derogatory social media posts aimed at her after a public function. “I understand the pain I have caused and regret my words,” she added.
Political and Film Industry Reaction
The comments have caused a rift not only in the film industry but also in political circles. BJP MP M Raghunandan Rao had recently attended an event in Medak where he draped a traditional hand-woven shawl around Surekha. Following this, several BRS supporters trolled her on social media with derogatory posts, leading to her emotional outburst and subsequent comments about the high-profile divorce.
While Surekha has since apologised, the damage to her reputation seems to have intensified, as the Telugu film industry continues to rally against her. The Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC), however, has stepped in to de-escalate the situation. TPCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud urged the film industry to put an end to the row, stating, “She has understood what damage her remarks have caused. She regrets making those remarks, and she has apologised. I am requesting the film industry to move on.”
