File photo of Tollywod actors, Akkineni Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Telangana Forest and Environment Minister Konda Surekha
Credit: Facebook
Telangana Forest and Environment Minister Konda Surekha on Wednesday created a flutter with her comments against BRS working president KT Rama Rao and also linked him with the divorce of noted Tollywod actors, Akkineni Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu.
Speaking to presspersons, Surekha alleged that KTR was the reason behind the divorce of actors Akkineni Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu.
She went on to allege that KTR spoiled the lives of several heroines in the Telugu film industry.
"KTR, a drug addict, used to host rave parties for film celebrities. Unable to face his atrocities, many heroines cut short their film careers, got married, and settled," she said.
Her comments have received widespread condemnation.
“KTR asked to send Samantha in return for not demolishing the N-convention center. Nagarjuna forced Samantha to go to KTR. Samantha said no. That led to divorce," said Konda Surekha.
She added, “KTR is the reason behind Samantha-Naga Chaitanya's divorce. Many heroines got married early because of him. He got addicted to drugs and went to rave parties. Blackmailed and troubled many."
Accusing that Surekha’s comments were politically motivated, KTR had sent legal notice to the minister.
In the notice KTR demanded Surekha to withdraw those comments and also unconditionally apologise to him within 24 hours. Otherwise, KTR said he would proceed legally under the defamation laws against Surekha.
Naga Chaitanya's father, popular Tollywood actor Nagarjuna, had asked Surekha to take back those comments.
“I strongly condemn the comments of the Minister, Konda Surekha. Don't use the lives of movie stars who stay away from politics to criticise your opponents. Please respect other people's privacy. As a woman in a responsible position, your comments and accusations against our family are completely irrelevant and false. I request you to withdraw your comments immediately,” said Nagarjuna in a post on X.
Former minister T Harish Rao strongly condemned the comments of Surekha. “I condemn the derogatory statements made by Minister Surekha and demand an unconditional apology,” said Harish Rao.
'Keep my name out,' says Samantha
Samantha also responded to Surekha’s comments.
She said divorce is her personal matter and suggested Surekha refrain from speculating about it.
“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. My divorce was mutual consent and amicable, with no political conspiracy involved. Could you please keep my name out of political battles? I have always remained non-political and wish to continue doing so,” Samantha told Surekha in a social media post.
Samantha also said that she is proud of what her journey turned her into and requested Surekha not to trivialise it. “I hope you realise that your words carry significant weight as a minister. I implore you to be responsible and respectful of individuals' privacy,” she added.