Nagarjuna Files Defamation Case Against Telangana Minister Konda Surekha

Telugu actor Nagarjuna Akkineni has filed a criminal and defamation case against Telangana Congress Minister Konda Surekha in the Nampally court. This legal action follows Surekha’s recent remarks regarding the divorce of actors Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya, which Nagarjuna claims were intended to damage the Akkineni family’s public reputation.

In his legal complaint, Nagarjuna accuses Konda Surekha of making derogatory statements that not only harm his family’s reputation but also cross the line into criminal defamation. The case includes charges that could lead to significant legal repercussions, alongside a civil defamation suit seeking financial compensation for the harm caused.

The controversy began when Minister Konda Surekha delivered a heated speech that implicated BRS leader KTR in drug-related parties and alleged his role in the divorce of Naga Chaitanya and Samantha. During this address, she made disparaging remarks about KTR, the Akkineni family, and Samantha, claiming that KTR’s actions had adversely affected the careers of many female actors in the Telugu film industry.

In her statements, Surekha further alleged that KTR demanded sexual favours from the Akkineni family before the demolition of their family-owned N-convention centre. She claimed that these controversies contributed to the separation of Naga Chaitanya and Samantha, igniting a firestorm of backlash.

Nagarjuna was quick to respond to the Minister’s comments, condemning them as “completely irrelevant and false.” He urged Konda Surekha to respect the privacy of individuals, particularly those in the film industry who prefer to remain outside the political sphere. In a tweet in Telugu, he expressed his strong disapproval, stating, “Don’t use the lives of film stars who stay away from politics to criticise your opponents. Please respect other people’s privacy.”

Naga Chaitanya and Samantha publicly announced their separation in 2021. Earlier this year, Naga Chaitanya became engaged to actor Sobhita Dhulipala, adding further complexity to the ongoing public interest in their personal lives.

As the legal proceedings unfold, Nagarjuna’s actions underscore the heightened tensions between public figures and politicians, particularly regarding the impact of personal lives on public discourse. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how public figures navigate defamation and privacy in the age of social media.