Showing posts with label Naga Chaitanya. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Naga Chaitanya. Show all posts
I pitched Dacoit to Anurag Kashyap at Sobhita Dhulipala-Naga Chaitanya wedding-Anurag Kashyap
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Happy that “master craftsman” Anurag Kashyap is part of ‘Dacoit’ cast, actor Adivi Sesh recalls convincing him about the role at Naga Chaitanya-Sobhita Dhulipala’s nuptials
Komal RJ Panchal (MID-DAY; March 21, 2026)
Dacoit is born out of Adivi Sesh’s long-standing desire to explore romance within an action framework. While Sesh and Mrunal Thakur play former lovers in this “angry love story”, Anurag Kashyap portrays a fearless cop. How did Sesh, the film’s actor and co-writer, convince Kashyap to come on board?
Well, he did it in the most unexpected place — at Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya’s December 2024 wedding in Hyderabad. “I pitched the film to him at the wedding itself,” laughed Sesh.
According to him, the filmmaker-turned-actor was also the go-to person when it came to fine-tuning the Hindi filmy dialogues. “We’d go to him to check how something should be said. It was like having a master craftsman on set,” he added.
Initially eyeing an Ugadi release, Dacoit — which is shot in Hindi and Telugu — is now slated to hit theatres on April 10. The actor explained that the decision stemmed from limited showcasing in Hindi due to the dominance of Dhurandhar The Revenge at the box office.
“If we had got the right screens, we would have come on that date. But this way, both versions of the film get their due,” he stated.
I’m happy both hot and cute are being used to describe me-Naga Chaitanya
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Actor Naga Chaitanya’s heartfelt portrayal of Andhra fishermen earns critical acclaim and government recognition
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 16, 2026)
Actor Naga Chaitanya is riding a professional high. He recently won the Best Actor award at the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards 2025 for his film Thandel (2025), and his next project, the adventure drama Vrushakarma, has him playing a treasure hunter, a role he calls a “dream come true”. The film’s first look has been well received, and Chaitanya says, “I’ve always wanted to be part of a large-scale spectacle film with a mythical layer. That dream has finally come true.”
Speaking on the appeal of rooted Indian stories, he adds, “People are curious about Indian mythology. Today, with VFX and technology, these stories can be shown in a unique way, not just in India but globally.”
For Vrushakarma, Chaitanya sports a ripped physique: “I’m playing a treasure hunter, so there’s room to explore styling and character design. Fitness is something I enjoy off-screen too, and it fit perfectly into this role.”
On his transition from “cute” to “hot,” he quips, “I’m happy both words are being used to describe me, and I’d like to stay relevant to both.”
Chaitanya calls his award for Thandel especially meaningful, as the film tells the true story of fishermen from an Andhra village. “I spent time with them, and their energy and stories transferred into the film. Having the government recognize it is amazing. I’m thankful for both the critical acclaim and box office success.”
It was also his first release post his 2024 wedding to actor Sobhita Dhulipala and became his highest-grossing film. Asked if she has been his lucky charm, he says, “The foundation at home translates to professional life, so yes, of course she has.”
The first look of Naga Chaitanya’s next film Vrushakarma released recently and has been received well by the audience. “I’ve always wanted to be a part of a large scale spectacle film, with a nice mythical layer added to it. That was my dream and finally it came true,” he says.
Rooted Indian stories have become fan favourites today. Even the actor’s recent choices reflect that. Has that become a point of consideration for him? “Yes, because people have become curious about Indian mythology and stories of the land. In the age of VFX and technology, we are able to show those stories in a better way to give a unique experience. Not only in India, but even across the world, if you see why Indian films are doing so well, it’s because our stories are so interesting. So being part of that mythical journey, it’s a dream come true,” he says.
Chaitanya also recently gave a glimpse of his ripped physique and he is excited to bring this new look to the screen. “I’m playing a treasure hunter, so there’s so much styling that you can do and a lot of tools you can play around with as an actor in terms of the character design. Fitness is something I enjoy off screen too. In my previous characters, having a good looking physique was not part of it. But over here, it fit into the role. So, I enjoyed bringing my off screen personality to the screen in terms of fitness,” he says. Tease him about his transition from being cute to hot and he quips, “Being an actor, you want to cover the entire spectrum. I’m happy that both the words are being used to describe me and I’d always like to stay relevant to both.”
I see them as family, not as the industry. My work has been very separate-Sobhita Dhulipala
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Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 1, 2026)
Actor Sobhita Dhulipala, who married actor Naga Chaitanya in December 2024, says that her professional path remains firmly independent of her marital ties to one of Telugu cinema’s most influential film families. After stepping away from work for over a year, Sobhita returned with the recent Telugu film Cheekatilo, saying that the break helped her recalibrate amid heightened public attention.
“It’s only been a year since I’ve been married and my whole career, all of my work has come from my independent journey,” she says, adding that while she is now part of a legacy film family, she does not view them through an industry lens. “I see them as family, not as the industry. My work has been very separate,” she shares.
Reflecting on her early career, the 33-year-old notes that her choices have largely existed outside the mainstream. The actor says, “My journey started with auditions and projects that were counterculture. I’ve always sought belief in my own self rather than support systems.”
Now based in Hyderabad post-wedding, Sobhita says that she has gained greater clarity about the work she wants to pursue: “I’m interested in characters with agency, women who make decisions that have consequences. Whether they’re likeable or unlikable, they need to matter to the story. That gravitas is what I’m looking for now.”
If I was old school, I would have been irrelevant-Nagarjuna
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Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; September 26, 2025)
It’s a milestone-packed season for Akkineni Nagarjuna as he is on the verge of clocking in 40 illustrious years in the film industry, and his family’s cherished legacy, Annapurna Studios, has touched the 50-year landmark. Widely admired for his suave screen presence and range as an actor, Nagarjuna caught the attention of the Hindi speaking audience with films like Shiva (1990) and Criminal (1995). In Telugu cinema he made a mark with hits such as Manam, Santosham, Ninne Pelladata, Annamayya and Soggade Chinni Nayana.
‘The number game has become a mess today’
Looking back at the arc of his career, the actor says, “Today, I am just enjoying whatever is coming my way. But back in the day, of course, you were at a certain age, you had to be on the top and get the numbers... all that pressure was there, but then it slowly vanished. I see numbers changing every other month. The number game has become a mess today. So, I’m just living in the moment. I’m happy when I’m doing exactly what I want to do. If I can’t do that at this point, even after 40 years, then what’s the point?”
‘I am not old school’
The actor’s journey has not only mirrored the growth of the Telugu film industry but also the massive evolution in how cinema is consumed and created. Nagarjuna has adapted with ease.
“From cassettes to DVDs, to pen drives and today, watching movies on your phones... I am enjoying this. I am not old school. If I was old school, I would have been irrelevant. I like to move along with technology. I think that’s the way the world moves. If you don’t move with it, you become irrelevant,” he says.
‘The first 30 years of the studio were a big struggle’
This progressive mindset extends to Annapurna Studios as well — a space once envisioned by his legendary father, actor and producer Akkineni Nageswara Rao, now steered alongside Nagarjuna by his sons Naga Chaitanya and Akhil Akkineni.
“The first 30 years of the studio were a big struggle. It’s nice to say we own a studio, but it’s very difficult to keep it going. My father was very passionate about it. He always said that films have given him everything in life, so he wanted to give back to the world of cinema. He then put the responsibility on me and my brother,” Nagarjuna shares.
He adds, “I am happy that the third generation has stepped in and they are looking at newer technologies and I hope they are having fun. If they are not, then it’s going to be a real struggle.”
‘I work out with my sons, but don’t compete with them’
Ask him what’s his dynamic with his son, especially with Naga Chaitanya, who enjoys a strong fanbase down South, and he says, “My father and I became very good friends, but there was that line of respect. And it’s the same when it comes to my equation with my sons. We are friends, but there’s also that respect where, for example, if I come into the room, they will stand up and greet me. We also work out together, but I don’t compete with them (laughs).”
Despite his decades-long career, Nagarjuna remains super fit, and is admired for his discipline and physique. So, does he get fitness tips from his sons? “I give them tips instead (laughs). On a serious note, I work out to feel energised. I try to keep myself healthy and fit. I dedicate one hour daily for my fitness routine and I follow a balanced diet.”
‘Sobhita and I talk about music, books and gardening’
The actor’s family continues to grow — not just professionally, but personally too. His son Naga Chaitanya tied the knot last year with actress Sobhita Dhulipala. Nagarjuna shares a warm bond with his daughter-in-law.
He says, “She’s just fantastic. We talk about books and music. Right now, she wants to grow a garden in Naga’s house. I have a keen interest in gardening too, so we talk a lot about it. It’s a very nice relationship and it’s like having a daughter at home. We have two daughters now — Zainab (Akhil’s wife) and Sobhita.”
Why am I treated like a criminal?-Naga Chaitanya
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Over three years after his divorce from actor Samantha, actor Naga Chaitanya feels that he’s being scrutinized unfairly for moving on
HINDUSTAN TIMES (February 9, 2025)
Last year, actor Samantha opened up about being viewed as “second hand” following her divorce from actor Naga Chaitanya in 2021. Now, the latter has also come out to address the scrutiny he received after the split.
“We wanted to go our own ways. For our own reasons, we had taken this decision and we respect each other. What more explanation is needed? I don’t understand. I’m hoping the audience and the media will respect that. We have asked for privacy. But, unfortunately, it has become another headline. It became a topic of gossip. It became entertainment,” said Chaitanya on the Raw Talks With VK podcast.
Talking about moving on, with Chaitanya getting married to actor Sobhita Dhulipala in December 2024, the 38-year-old said, “We both have moved on with grace. I have found love again. [But] It’s not like it’s only happening in my life, so why am I treated like a criminal?”
The actor also added that the divorce was never a trivial matter for him. “It was a conscious decision [taken] after much thought. I’m saying this because it’s a very sensitive topic for me. I’m a child of a broken family, so I know what the experience is like. I will think 1,000 times before breaking a relationship because I know the repercussions.”
AKKINENIS MEET PM NARENDRA MODI
Meanwhile, Chay and Sobhita met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Parliament House on Friday. They were accompanied by Chay’s father, actor Nagarjuna and his wife, actor Amala Akkineni. The family presented the PM with the book Akkineni Ka Virat Vyaktitva by Padma Bhushan awardee Dr Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, a tribute to Nagarjuna’s father Akkineni. Sobhita also presented the PM with kondapalli bommalu (dancing dolls), native to Andhra Pradesh.
I am called second hand after divorce-Samantha
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HINDUSTAN TIMES (November 27, 2024)
Actor Samantha has opened up about how she continues to face the stigma of her divorce from actor Naga Chaitanya even after three years. “When a woman goes through a divorce, there’s a lot of shame and stigma attached. I get a lot of comments saying, ‘second hand’, ‘used’, and ‘wasted life’,” she said.
The actor said that being a woman, she was subjected to more judgement: “Unfortunately, we live in a society which is so patriarchal that anytime something goes wrong, a woman gets subjected to… I’m not saying men don’t, men do, but a woman gets subjected to a lot more judgment and a lot more shaming, not just online, even in real life. You’re pushed into a corner where you are supposed to feel like you’re a failure that you were once married and now you’re not.”
The 37-year-old told Galatta India that a lot of lies were spread about her post the divorce. “I remember having this conversation with myself when things were really crappy and absolute lies were being spread. There were many times when I wanted to come out and say, ‘This is not true, let me tell you the truth’. [But then I told myself] Can you not live with the fact that your friends and your family know the truth? And it’s okay.” The actor said while she wanted to be “loved and validated and appreciated” all her life, she has finally learnt to let go: “I still haven’t said anything. So, whoever believes whatever they believe, it’s up to them. I’m very happy right now. I’ve grown so much, and I am doing incredible work, and I’m looking forward to the next stage in my life.”
Sobhita-Chay to have an 8-hr-long wedding
Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing for Naga Chaitanya’s upcoming wedding with actor Sobhita Dhulipala on December 4, which will take place at Annapurna Studios (Hyderabad). Reportedly, the couple’s wedding ceremony, in accordance with the Telugu Brahmin traditions, will be an elaborate eight-hour-long affair. The rituals will include Kanyaadanam (giving away the bride), Mangalsutra Dharanam (tying the scared thread) and Saptapadi (seven vows around the fire). The expected celebs in the guest list include the Daggubati and Mega (Chiranjeevi) families, actor Mahesh Babu’s family, director SS Rajamouli and Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan. There are also reports that OTT platforms are negotiating with the couple for exclusive streaming rights.
I’m looking forward to starting a new journey with Sobhita Dhulipala-Naga Chaitanya
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Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; November 23, 2024)
As actor Naga Chaitanya Akkineni blows out the candles on his 37th birthday cake today, he's got every reason to celebrate. Fresh from the success of his recent works including the digital series Dhootha and the blockbuster Bangarraju, Chaitanya is on a career high. And with his highly anticipated wedding to Sobhita Dhulipala just around the corner, it's safe to say that this birthday marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his life. Excerpts of the interview as followed-
‘I like low-key birthday celebrations’’
Naga believes that birthdays are a time to recharge. He says, “I like to celebrate my birthday, but keep it low-key, simple and spend it with my close friends and family, doing things that I love. By that I mean, disconnecting for a while, being in my comfort zone and recharging my mind. This time, too, I am doing the same and spending time with close friends and family in Goa.”
Ask Chay, as he is fondly called by his fans, if Sobhita has planned anything for his birthday and he replies, “She leaves all the planning to me, as long as she is there with me that’s good enough for me.”
‘I try to focus on the lessons that the ups and downs of life teach me’
As he turns a year older, the actor is in a reflective mode. He shares, “I look at life in a way where ups and down are very normal, and I try to focus on the lessons that they teach me. Whenever something happens in a way that you don’t expect it to, there’s nothing wrong if you pick up the right learnings from it and move forward. It makes you stronger and helps you grow and progress in life. That’s how I look at life in general.”
‘Our families are excited to come together and celebrate our wedding’
The Laal Singh Chaddha actor, who is set to tie the knot with Sobhita on December 4, admits that there is no feeling of nervousness for his wedding.
“There is definitely a lot of excitement, butterflies... not much (smiles). Butterflies are only because of the planning and the logistics that are involved on those days, like bringing the guest list together and putting the other details of the wedding together. The wedding will be held at Annapurna Studios (Hyderabad), which has a very special sentiment attached to it. It was a conscious decision by the family to have the wedding there in front of my grandfather’s statue and seek his blessings. Our families are excited to come together & celebrate.
As he talks about preparing for the wedding, the actor is simultaneously also shooting for his next Thandel. Ask him how is he planning to navigate both the movie and the wedding? He explains, “Thandel is nearly wrapped up we have less than seven shooting days left, and they’ll all be completed this month. The wedding is next month, with celebrations and family commitments happening through the first week of December. After that, I’ll jump straight back into work on Thandel, handling dubbing and promotions. So, I’m confident I can balance everything smoothly.”
‘I am extremely hungry for work’
Talking about what he wants to achieve in his career ahead, Naga, who is currently shooting for Thandel, elaborates, “There are a lot of desires that I want to fulfil and a lot that I want to explore with different films and characters. I am extremely hungry for work, and I feel that I haven’t achieved too much of what I have set out to do, so there is a lot of work left for me in films. I want to keep growing. On the personal front as well, it’s a very special year for me as I am looking forward to a new journey and starting a beautiful family.”
‘It’s going to be an amazing journey ahead’
Talking about the new chapter in his life, Naga says, “I am looking forward to starting a new journey with Sobhita and celebrating life together. I connect deeply with her, she understands me beautifully and fills a void in me. It’s going to be an amazing journey ahead.”
Seeing Naga Chaitanya, Sobhita Dhulipala together makes me truly happy-Nagarjuna
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Karthik Pasupulate (BOMBAY TIMES; November 20, 2024)
The wedding bells are ringing for Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala, with the couple set to tie the knot on December 4 at Hyderabad’s iconic Annapurna Studios. Speaking exclusively to Hyderabad Times, Nagarjuna shared why the venue, established by his legendary father late Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), holds special significance for the family.
“With this being my father’s centenary year, I felt it would be fitting to seek his blessings by having the wedding here. Annapurna Studios is not just a film hub but also a part of our family’s legacy, built by my father’s vision. It’s a beautiful place, and December is such a lovely season. Chaitanya didn’t want a big wedding; he and Sobhita both preferred a gathering of close family and friends. The studio gardens provide the perfect setting for a warm, intimate celebration,” he shared.
Admittedly, the couple has taken charge of the planning of their big day. “Sobhita and Chaitanya told me to leave the arrangements to them. They wanted to do it their way, and honestly, it was a huge relief! I said please do. (laughs) The infrastructure is already here — lights, sets, everything. We host at least ten mock weddings here every year. So, it’s the easiest choice for all of us,” he explains.
The wedding will be a close-knit affair, with around 300–400 guests comprising family, close friends, and a handful of Nagarjuna’s industry colleagues. It’s going to be an authentic Telugu wedding.
“Sobhita’s parents were clear about wanting to include all the rituals, and I was completely on board. I find the chants and ceremonies so soothing — they bring a sense of peace. It’s going to be a lovely wedding, simple and heartfelt, just like the couple.”
While the focus is on the wedding for now, Nagarjuna mentioned the possibility of a reception later. “Right now, it’s all about the wedding. We’ll see about the reception later.”
‘Sobhita is a brilliant actress with a very warm & grounded nature’
Reflecting on his bond with Sobhita, Nagarjuna shared fond memories of their first meeting. “I first met Sobhita after watching Goodachari. I loved her work in the film and immediately called her to say how impressed I was. I invited her to meet me the next time she was in Hyderabad. She later came home to meet me, and we had some wonderful conversations — not just about films but life in general. Chaitanya happened to walk in during one of her visits, and that’s when they met for the first time, if I remember correctly,” recalled Nag.
Talking about what he admires about his soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Nag added, “I always admired Sobhita’s journey. She’s worked incredibly hard to achieve her dreams, starting from Vizag and carving out a niche for herself in the industry. She’s a brilliant actress who has stayed true to her values and craft. More than that, she’s very warm and grounded. When I see her and Chay together, the bond they share is unmistakable. It makes me very happy.”
Nagarjuna sues Telangana minister over his divorce remark on Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Naga Chaitanya
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BOMBAY TIMES (October 5, 2024)
Under attack for her comments on the divorce of Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya, Telangana Minister Konda Surekha on Thursday withdrew her remarks. Naga Chaitanya’s father Akkineni Nagarjuna, who criticised the minister on Wednesday, has now filed a defamation case against Surekha. In his complaint, Nagarjuna has alleged that the minister’s remarks damaged his family’s reputation.
What happened
Telangana Minister Konda Surekha on Wednesday stirred up a major controversy by alleging that opposition BRS leader K T Rama Rao was the reason behind Samantha and Chaitanya’s divorce in 2021. Reacting strongly to her comments, many south actors criticized the leader.
Voices from the south film industry condemn the remarks
The statements made by Konda Surekha garu are irresponsible and baseless. Making vulgar public comments about respected individuals is shocking coming from an elected leader who holds public office. This kind of slander aims to destroy the fundamentals of our society. The film fraternity is together and will not tolerate such reckless behaviour aimed at us. #FilmIndustryWillNotTolerate
- Ram Charan
Extremely pained by the comments made by Minister Konda Surekha garu on fellow members of our film fraternity. As a father of a daughter, as a husband to a wife and as son to a mother... I am deeply anguished by the unacceptable remarks and language used by a woman minister on another woman. Freedom of speech can be exercised as long as it does not hurt other’s sentiments. I strongly condemn the cheap and baseless comments made.
- Mahesh Babu
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 film industry. We will not sit quietly while others make baseless allegations against us.
- Jr NTR
Sobhita Dhulipala, Naga Chaitanya get engaged in Hyderabad; likely to tie the knot by December
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Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 9, 2024)
It was an intimate and beautiful ceremony, the kind Sobhita Dhulipala’s wedding planner character from Made In Heaven would approve. Yesterday, the actor and Naga Chaitanya got engaged, in the presence of family and close friends, at the latter’s residence in Hyderabad. Chaitanya’s superstar-father Nagarjuna shared the joyous news on X, warmly welcoming Dhulipala into the family.
An insider tells mid-day that the couple began dating around May 2022, when they brought in Dhulipala’s birthday together. Since then, the two were inseparable, often spotted together in Hyderabad and on vacations abroad. Their relationship, although a constant subject of speculation among fans, remained mostly private. Apparently, during their Bali vacation last December, the duo talked marriage.
The source says, “They zeroed in on August 8, 2024, for their engagement because of its unique significance, owing to the triple eight in the date. They both believe in numerology and this date symbolizes infinity, balance and prosperity. They felt it would mark an auspicious beginning for their journey together.”
We hear the families are looking at prospective wedding dates. Another insider suggests that the couple is considering a December wedding. “The dates could be between December 17 and 29. But it is too early to pencil in, considering both Sobhita and Naga have busy schedules till the year-end. They will finalise the date in the coming months.”
Chaitanya was previously married to actor Samantha and the two parted ways in October 2021.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu denies having commented on Naga Chaitanya-Sobhita Dhulipala romance rumours
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HINDUSTAN TIMES (April 5, 2023)
In response to a news report that said she responded to rumours of her ex-husband, actor Naga Chaitanya, dating actor Sobhita Dhulipala, actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu tweeted on Tuesday: “I never said this!”
A photo of the rumoured couple emerged online recently. In the picture, Chaitanya posed with a chef for a picture while Dhulipala was seen sitting at a table behind them. Reportedly, the photo was of the couple in London.
In response to this, Samantha was quoted by The Siasat Daily as saying in an interview to a news portal, “I am not bothered who is in a relationship with whom. Those who do not know the value of love will be left in tears irrespective of the number of people they date. At least that girl should be happy. If he changes his behaviour and looks after the girl without hurting her, it will be good for everyone.” But, the The Family Man 2 actor, denied saying this.
Samantha and Chaitanya, who tied the knot in October 2017, split up in October 2021.
Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala are the new couple in Tollywood?
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Neeshita Nyayapati (BOMBAY TIMES; March 31, 2023)
“Is Naga Chaitanya dating Sobhita Dhulipala?” That was a topic of discussion on social media, ever since a picture of Chaitanya posing with Chef Surender Mohan at a famous London restaurant went viral. The reason? Sobhita Dhulipala was spotted in the background! Following the social media frenzy, the chef quickly recognized the mistake and deleted the picture, but it was too late. Screenshots of the photo began to trend, and soon, social media was flooded with memes speculating if Chaitanya and Sobhita are indeed a couple. And from the looks of it, it seems like there is a romance brewing indeed.
We have learnt that Chaitanya and Sobhita have been dating for a while now. “Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala have been together for at least six months now. The picture that went viral was taken during a secret vacation they went on in November last year; it’s just that the picture got leaked now,” reveals a source close to the couple.
Apparently, Chaitanya and Sobhita bonded over their love for fast cars and that London vacation sealed the deal. “Chaitanya and Sobhita bonded over their love for Formula 1 initially. As they spent time together, their friendship turned into love. They’re comfortable in each other’s company but don’t want to make anything official yet. Right now, they’re just enjoying getting to know each other.”
The hints have always been there. Speculation of their romance began last June, after reports of the duo being spotted together in Hyderabad first surfaced. When Naga Chaitanya was asked about it while he was promoting Laal Singh Chaddha a couple of months later, the actor told the press, “I’m just going to smile,” refusing to confirm or deny anything.
I had confidence because Aamir Khan was mentoring me-Naga Chaitanya
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Foraying into Hindi movies with Laal Singh Chaddha, Telugu star Naga Chaitanya on his initial fear about Forrest Gump being adapted and Bollywood plans
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; August 1, 2022)
Most actors would think twice before making their Bollywood debut with an extended cameo. But Naga Chaitanya, who plays a key role in Laal Singh Chaddha, had no apprehension about his screen time. His fear had its roots elsewhere. With the film, Aamir Khan was adapting Forrest Gump (1994), a movie that has achieved an iconic status over the years. The stakes, hence, were higher.
“I was apprehensive. If it was any actor other than Aamir, I am not sure if I would have done the role. [Forrest Gump] is a classic, and a reference point for so many filmmakers and viewers. But I had confidence because Aamir was mentoring me. I knew that I would be in the right hands,” says Chaitanya, who plays an army officer in the movie.
Advait Chandan’s directorial venture is only the stepping stone to Bollywood for Chaitanya, who has established himself in Telugu cinema. “I’m aware that each market has its own set of stars that the audience [loves]. This [admiration] comes from years of watching them. I am curious to see whether the audience will accept me after Laal Singh Chaddha. I want to explore Bollywood, but first, I need to pass the test.”
While the actor has a wide fan following, thanks to his movies like Ye Maaya Chesave (2010) and Premam (2016), he is often compared to his superstar father Nagarjuna. He views this as a compliment, and a reminder that he has a long way to go.
“I look up to him. Here too, they will compare me to him, but it’s healthy. Whenever we go for interviews and see a woman walking up to us, we keep guessing whether she wants a picture with my dad or me,” he laughs, before adding, “It’s almost always with dad.”
The past year has been difficult for Chaitanya. The actor, who was married to Samantha Ruth Prabhu, parted ways in late 2021. Since then, he has been in the news for his personal life more than his movies. “It disturbs me when my personal life is the headline rather than my professional life, because we work so hard to showcase our talent. Unfortunately, some sections of the media are only interested in your personal space. I have always been the first to tell the media or [fans] about my personal life, if it’s crucial enough to be informed. Whatever they write [after that] is speculation. I don’t feel the need to respond to that.”
Samantha Akkineni was planning to take a break from films to start a family, say actress’ friends
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Close associates of the actress quash rumours claiming that her unwillingness to have kids is what led to her divorce
Suhas Yellapantula (BOMBAY TIMES; October 11, 2021)
Ever since Samantha and Naga Chaitanya announced their separation last week, speculation about the reason behind the star couple’s decision to call it quits has been raging on unabated both on social media and in Tollywood circles. Things took a nasty turn when a retired doctor released a video, claiming that Samantha refused to have children to focus on her career, got abortions done twice and even proposed to have a child via surrogacy since she didn’t want to ‘ruin her figure’.
Miffed by the brouhaha triggered by the rumours, Samantha, who had maintained a dignified silence about the rumours circulating around her, finally decided to speak up. “Your emotional investment into a personal crisis has overwhelmed me. Thank you all for showing deep empathy, concern and for defending me against false rumours and stories that are being spread. They say I had affairs, never wanted children, that I am an opportunist and now that I have had abortions,” she wrote on social media.
Vowing that nothing can “break” her spirit, she added, “A divorce in itself is an extremely painful process. Let alone allowing me the time to heal. This attack on me has been relentless. But I promise you this, I will never allow this or anything else they say, break me.”
SAMANTHA WANTED TO WRAP FILM’S SHOOT BY AUGUST SO SHE COULD HAVE A CHILD: PRODUCER NEELIMA GUNA
Soon after Samantha broke her silence, several of her friends expressed their support and reiterated that rumours that she got an abortion done are false. Neelima Guna, who’s bankrolling Sam’s upcoming film Shaakuntalam, says the actress had expressed her wish to have a baby before she signed the project. “When we approached her for the film, Samantha was excited but said period films take time and that she may not be able to commit so much time for the film since she was planning to have a child. We told her that the preproduction was already done and it wouldn’t take much time. So, she agreed to come on board and told us that shooting has to be wrapped up by July or August since she plans to have a child,” says Neelima, adding, “Samantha kept telling me that this will be her last film since she wanted to take a break from acting and have a child.”
‘SHE READ BOOKS ON PARENTING AND WAS EXCITED ABOUT BEING A MOM’
When we reached out to some of Samantha’s friends, they confirmed that the actress was indeed planning to have a child. Make-up artist and Samantha’s close friend Sadhna Singh says, “Samantha was extremely excited about having children. She would even read books about parenting to prepare for motherhood. To spread such heartless rumours about her is despicable and disgusting.” She adds, “After the success of The Family Man 2, Samantha had got plenty of offers from Bollywood. Some of them were huge projects, but she said she wanted to have children and turned them down.”
Samantha Prabhu refuses to take alimony from Naga Chaitanya?
8:35 AM
Posted by Fenil Seta

Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 3, 2021)
It’s over for Samantha Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya. The most-loved Telugu movie industry couple released a joint statement on their respective social media handles confirming their split. Samantha wrote: “After much deliberation and thought Chay and I have decided to part ways as husband and wife to pursue our own paths. We are fortunate to have a friendship of over a decade that was the very core of our relationship which we believe will always hold a special bond between us. We request our fans, well wishers and the media to support us during this difficult time and give us privacy we need to move on”.
Meanwhile, there are many reports that suggest that Samantha will be receiving Rs. 50 crores as alimony from the divorce, which she has supposedly refused. According to a well-placed source, Samantha was initially offered over Rs. 200 crores as a part of the marriage settlement, but she doesn’t want even a single penny. “Samantha, who is heartbroken and distraught, only needed love and companionship from this marriage and now that it is over, she doesn’t need anything else from it,” adds the source.
The couple’s love story began in 2010 when they worked together in Ye Maaya Chesave. They got engaged in January 2017 and tied the knot in Goa on October 7 the same year.
The rumours of their separation began when Samantha changed her name on social media handles — from Samantha Akkineni, she went ‘S’, which led to an uproar among her fans. Besides that, her absence from the Love Story success bash and the dinner hosted by Chaitanya’s family for actor Aamir Khan added fuel to the fire.
As per the insider, Samantha has turned her attention to her work to get over the personal trauma. “It’s not easy for her to get up and go to work. She is massively heartbroken. But she doesn’t want any project that she is associated with to suffer because of her personal life. She has always been a thorough professional and continues to be,” adds the source.
Recently, Samantha took to Instagram to dismiss reports about her relocating to Mumbai, saying, “Hyderabad is my home, will always be my home. I will continue to live here very happily.”
Aamir Khan hires War stunt director for Laal Singh Chaddha’s battlefield scene in Ladakh
8:12 AM
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Aamir Khan hires War stunt director for Laal Singh Chaddha’s battlefield scene; to shoot it with South star Naga Chaitanya in Ladakh
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; May 12, 2021)
Aamir Khan may be home-bound presently, but his mind is ticking away, working out the nitty-gritty of Laal Singh Chaddha’s upcoming Ladakh schedule. The superstar, who had recently headed to Kargil with a four-member team for the recce (Time to race to Ladakh, May 6), returned to Mumbai last week after having zeroed in on the locations. Joining him on the recce was action director Parvez Shaikh, who has been given the responsibility of designing the elaborate war sequence that will be shot in the rocky terrain.
It is heard that Khan expressed his desire to bring Shaikh on board as he is skilled at mounting action sequences on a grand scale, with the Hrithik Roshan-Tiger Shroff starrer War (2019) being a recent example. “With the movie examining India’s political and cultural milestones through the lens of the protagonist, the Kargil War will form a crucial part of the narrative. Aamir and Advait [Chandan, director] have envisioned a grand battlefield scene, complete with massive infantry. If things go as per plan, the production team will hire locals for the sequence. The unit will be put up at The Grand Dragon Hotel in Ladakh in a bio-bubble. Advait has charted out a tentative month-long schedule, and intends to head to the northern region as soon as the situation in the country stabilises,” says a trade source.
South star Naga Chaitanya plays a crucial role in the Indian adaptation of Forrest Gump (1994). The actor’s character is said to be based on Benjamin Buford Blue aka Bubba, who becomes Gump’s best friend when the latter enlists into the US Army. While the two promise to turn business partners, Gump honours his commitment after Bubba is killed in the Vietnam War. The source adds, “Chaitanya will join Aamir in the upcoming leg.”
After Khan wraps up the ambitious schedule, he will rush back home to film the cameo scene with superstar-friend Salman Khan post which it will be a wrap on the project.
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