The Nampally court issued a notice on October 10, seeking a response from Telangana Minister Konda Surekha in a defamation case filed by actor Akkineni Nagarjuna. The case relates to her controversial remarks concerning the divorce of Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya.
Nagarjuna has taken a firm stand against Konda Surekha, rejecting her apology and filing a Rs 100 crore defamation lawsuit against the Telangana minister. The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 23. Additionally, BRS leader KT Rama Rao has also filed a defamation petition against the same remarks, with that matter being adjourned to October 14 following initial arguments.
Konda Surekha Receives Court Notice In Defamation Suit By Actor Nagarjuna
Speaking to Times Now, Nagarjuna stated, “We filed a criminal defamation case yesterday. We are in the process of filing another Rs 100 crore defamation lawsuit against her. Her outrageous comments cannot be allowed to slide under the crack.”
He also expressed his dissatisfaction with Surekha's apology to Samantha, saying, “What about my family? Not a word of apology to me and to my family!” He emphasised that the entertainment industry would no longer be soft targets for political agendas, adding, “You can’t use our names for political gains. I am hoping that our legal action against the lady will caution other politicians from using our names in a slanderous way.”
During a media event on October 2, Surekha made serious allegations, claiming that KTR was involved in drug-related parties and directly responsible for the divorce of actors Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. In her heated speech, Surekha accused KTR of being a drug addict who hosted rave parties for film celebrities. She claimed that many actresses had shortened their careers due to his influence, stating, “Naga Chaitanya's divorce took place 100 percent due to KTR. This is because to not demolish N Convention Hall, you had to send Samantha to me. Nagarjuna had forced Samantha to go (to KTR), and they said that either you listen to us or give us a divorce.” Surekha further alleged that KTR had demanded sexual favours from the Akkineni family in exchange for political favours, adding fuel to the already heated atmosphere.
Telangana Minister's Shocking Claims Ignite Outrage: 5 Key Developments
Here's a look at five key developments so far in the controversy surrounding Konda Surekha's remarks. In response to these incendiary claims, veteran actor Nagarjuna, father of Naga Chaitanya, was quick to speak out. He condemned Surekha’s comments as false and irrelevant, urging her to respect the privacy of individuals, especially those not involved in politics.
గౌరవనీయ మంత్రివర్యులు శ్రీమతి కొండా సురేఖ గారి వ్యాఖ్యలని తీవ్రంగా ఖండిస్తున్నాను. రాజకీయాలకు దూరంగా ఉండే సినీ ప్రముఖుల జీవితాలని, మీ ప్రత్యర్ధులని విమర్శించేందుకు వాడుకోకండి. దయచేసి సాటి మనుషుల వ్యక్తిగత విషయాలని గౌరవించండి. బాధ్యత గలిగిన పదవి లో ఉన్న మహిళగా మీరు చేసిన…
— Nagarjuna Akkineni (@iamnagarjuna) October 2, 2024
Amala Akkineni, Nagarjuna’s wife and Naga Chaitanya's mother, also expressed her anger over Surekha's comments. She labelled the minister a “demon” and accused her of exploiting decent citizens for political gain. Amala took to social media to call for accountability from political leaders, urging figures like Rahul Gandhi to ensure their ministers refrain from making such "venomous statements."
Shocked to hear a woman minister turn into a demon, conjuring evil fictions allegations, preying on decent citizens as fuel for a political war.
— Amala Akkineni (@amalaakkineni1) October 2, 2024
Madam Minister, do you rely and believe people with no decency to feed you utterly scandalous stories about my husband without an iota…
Naga Chaitanya himself addressed the situation, describing the emotional toll of his divorce from Samantha Ruth Prabhu. He expressed that arriving at the decision was painful and emphasised that it was made mutually, devoid of any political pressure from KTR. He labelled Surekha's claims as “false, ridiculous, and unacceptable,” seeking to clarify that their separation was personal.
— chaitanya akkineni (@chay_akkineni) October 2, 2024
Samantha Ruth Prabhu also weighed in, emphasising the need for respect and responsibility in public discourse. She urged Konda Surekha to acknowledge the personal nature of her divorce and to refrain from dragging it into political battles. Samantha insisted that their separation was based on mutual consent and was not influenced by KTR.
The backlash against Konda Surekha’s comments resonated throughout the Telugu film industry. After Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Rakul Preet Singh has criticised Telangana Minister Konda Surekha for allegedly mentioning her name in a speech, urging the Congress leader not to exploit her name for "political gain."
On October 3, Rakul took to social media platform X to express her frustration. In a detailed note, she voiced her disappointment, stating that it is hurtful to hear "baseless and malicious rumours" being spread about women in the entertainment industry. The actor further expressed that what was even more "disheartening" was that the remarks came from another woman in a position of responsibility.
Telugu Film Industry is known worldwide for its creativity and professionalism. I've had a great journey in this beautiful industry and still very much connected.
— Rakul Singh (@Rakulpreet) October 3, 2024
It pains to hear such baseless and vicious rumours being spread about the women of this fraternity. What's more…
Prominent actors, including Chiranjeevi, Jr. NTR, and Allu Arjun, publicly condemned the minister's statements, highlighting their insensitivity towards the personal lives of actors. Many criticised her for using actors as scapegoats to further her political agenda, pointing out the inappropriate nature of her comments.
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…
#FilmIndustryWillNotTolerate pic.twitter.com/sxTOyBZStB
— Allu Arjun (@alluarjun) October 3, 2024
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
I thought it was only those who need 2 minute fame and indulge in yellow journalism speak this language. But here, I see an absolute disgrace to womanhood. Konda Surekha garu, I am sure some values were instilled in you. Where have they flown out of the window? A person in a…
— KhushbuSundar (@khushsundar) October 2, 2024
In a decisive legal move, KTR sent a notice to Minister Konda Surekha, demanding an immediate retraction of her statements and an unconditional apology within 24 hours to prevent defamation and potential criminal proceedings. KTR's legal counsel stated that Surekha’s “vitriolic campaign” aimed to tarnish his reputation.
మూసి మురికి అంతా వాళ్ల నోట్లోనే...
— KTR (@KTRBRS) October 2, 2024
ఇంకా శుద్ధి ఎందుకు.. లక్షన్నర కోట్లు ఖర్చు ఎందుకు?
Served legal notices to the Minister; Disgusting & Nauseating politics by Congress
Request @RahulGandhi to send your Minister & CM to a mental health specialist or a rehabilitation… pic.twitter.com/cL8AI1RqHk