What began as a regular shoot day for Ram Charan and the team of Peddi spiralled into a hectic night of damage control. Nearly 53 seconds of footage from a special dance number of Peddi made its way online in the late hours of April 27. What was shocking was that the song shoot, featuring the South star and Shruti Haasan, had begun only earlier that day on a specially erected set in Janwada near Hyderabad.

Sources told mid-day that director Buchi Babu Sana and the team were stunned when they saw the clip being circulated across fan pages, Telegram groups, and X. A source said, “Usually, makers are worried about leaks during post-production, but here the footage seems to have gone out straight from the set. The unit was caught off guard.”

Murmurs are that the leak may have originated from either an on-set monitor recording or an internally circulated preview cut. The source added, “It was not a polished teaser. It looked like someone recorded the monitor playback on the phone.”

Since then, the makers have roped in anti-piracy experts, who are trying to contain the spread. An insider said, “More than 400 links across platforms have been removed. The legal and digital teams have been working continuously.”

Every collaboration has its own destiny. In 2024, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and South star Ram Charan planned to join forces for a period drama based on author Amish Tripathi’s Legend Of Suheldev, but the project didn’t materialize. Is second time the charm? That’s what the duo is hoping. mid-day has learnt that Charan will headline Bhansali’s next production, a historical adventure drama set in a jungle.

A bit of digging revealed that the project has its roots in Rowdy Rathore 2, which Bhansali was to produce.

A source told us, “Originally K V Vijayendra Prasad had written the script for Rowdy Rathore 2, but that didn’t shape up as expected. So, taking that material as the starting point, the story was rewritten by Gullak 2 and Shakti Shalini writer Durgesh Singh. The story is essentially a jungle adventure drama, but set in the past. The script has been adapted to suit Ram’s personality. It will be helmed by a top Bollywood director.”

It’s being mounted as a pan-India film, to be made in Hindi and dubbed in Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada. The source added, “Bhansali and Ram Charan were earlier in talks for the story of Maharaja Suheldev. While that didn’t work out, this is an equally ambitious project.”

A long-held aspiration is taking shape for Saiee M Manjrekar as she steps into period cinema with The India House. Set in 1905 against the backdrop of love and revolution, the pan-India film features her as Sati. Produced by Ram Charan and Abhishek Agarwal, the Ram Vamsi Krishna directorial also stars Nikhil Siddharth and Anupam Kher.

Saiee shares, “Acting in a period drama has always been one of my dreams. As soon as I knew I wanted to be an actor, I knew I wanted to be in a period drama, so it feels like a dream come true. Being part of The India House feels special and surreal. When I first heard the narration, I knew this was not just another film, but a story that carries emotion, history and purpose.”

Her character brings together contrasting traits. She says, “My role is Sati, and it’s a beautiful part. She is strong-willed, yet soft and kind-hearted. Finding that balance within myself has been a very exciting process.”

Adapting to the demands of a period setting came with its own learning curve. She says, “I remember in the middle of a scene, I would end up saying ‘please’ or ‘thank you’, phrases we use casually in other genres. I would then apologise and do the scene again. It has been an interesting process, learning about that time and understanding how people lived, dressed and spoke. Shooting in Hampi, surrounded by such a rich past, has added another layer of emotion to my performance.”

The experience of working with the film’s team has also been significant. “Working on Ram Charan sir’s maiden production is something I truly value. He is one of the biggest stars in the South industry, yet his vision as a producer is rooted in storytelling and authenticity. The respect he has for cinema and everyone involved reflects in every detail of this film. Sharing screen space with Nikhil Siddharth and Anupam Kher sir has been a huge learning experience. Being on set with actors of such calibre pushes you to give your best every day. I feel fortunate to be part of a film that celebrates love, revolution and the spirit of India,” she concludes.

Ram Charan and Upasana, who welcomed their daughter Klin Kaara in June 2023, have now become parents to twins. An excited Ram Charan tells us, “Being blessed with three children fills me with gratitude. I’m thankful to all our fans, loved ones and well-wishers who have stood by us and supported us through every moment.”

While their first pregnancy was a natural surprise, Upasana had chosen to freeze her eggs in her late twenties and early thirties. Being able to rely on that decision, has brought a sense of comfort and empowerment.

Upasana says, “My father always believed that clarity of intention and faith go hand in hand. Today, I feel incredibly blessed to be a mother of three, exactly as we envisioned. Our hope is to raise children who are strong yet compassionate, aware that privilege carries responsibility — and that true legacy lies in giving back.”

It’s been over 13 years since Esha Gupta made her Bollywood debut with Jannat 2. The actress, who was in Bengaluru for an event, says her journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster filled with growth, learning, and new experiences. In a chat with us, she talks about how her approach to characters has evolved, why she enjoys music videos, and more. Excerpts:

When it comes to choosing roles, Esha admits her outlook has evolved. “Times have changed, and so has my approach. Earlier, it was about what the script was doing for me. Now, it’s only about the character and the director’s vision. A simple story can turn into a masterpiece with the right filmmaker. Even if my role is just two minutes long, I make sure to give it my best, because the writer created it with me in mind.”

In recent years, Esha has carved a niche with music videos, something she thoroughly enjoys. “Music videos are my favourite. They’re fun, high-energy, and quick to shoot. You work with top singers and directors for just two or three days, and thanks to social media, they go viral in no time. It’s so rewarding to see people connect to them.”

The actress has been vocal about mental health, something many hesitate to address. “There was no deep thought behind it,” she says firmly. “In our country, therapy is often looked down upon, but actually, only a healthy mind would choose therapy. Most of us are in therapy because of people who really need it, but don’t go. For me, therapy has helped me move forward. I always say money should only buy you good health, both mental and physical. Without that, nothing else matters.”

Esha has also acted in Telugu films, though she feels she hasn’t done enough to draw comparisons. “I don’t think I’ve worked enough in the South to compare, but one thing I love is how well everyone dances. I was lucky to work with Ram Charan, one of the best dancers out there.”

Businesswoman Upasana Kamineni Konidela, recently in the Capital as a guest at an event, shares how she has mastered balancing her professional commitments with her personal life. She not only skilfully manages her role as wife to actor Ram Charan (40) but also as mother to their two-year-old daughter, Klin Kaara.

As a parent, Upasana has been careful not to let Klin be photographed by paparazzi or share many pictures of her on social media, an approach many celebrities now follow. When asked if they plan to continue this until a certain age, the 36-year-old says, “I don’t know. The world is changing so rapidly, and while a few incidents scare us as parents, we also want to give our child freedom. Covering her face in public, like at the airport, is a huge task for everyone involved: the mother, the father, and the child. So I don’t know whether we are doing the right thing, but for now, we are happy where we are.”

Meanwhile, Upasana has managed to create her own identity as an individual involved with many community outreach programmes and her family’s medical empire, away from the ‘star wife’ tag. But she doesn’t see it as an issue: “I love all my tags. And if it’s a tag that people have given you, it’s great. It’s because you are loved. I am happy about it, it’s a responsibility!”

Last year, Janhvi Kapoor made her Telugu film debut with Devara: Part 1 opposite NTR Jr, following it up by signing Peddi opposite Ram Charan. Now, it looks like the actor has bagged her third Telugu offering. Sources tell us that Kapoor will play one of the female leads in Allu Arjun’s next, the working title of which is AA22xA6, helmed by Atlee. Having an Atlee film on her résumé is a big boost for Kapoor.

An insider shares, “Allu and Atlee are a dream combination. With his next, the filmmaker is mounting an ambitious sci-fi film. Naturally, Janhvi is excited to be part of something that could potentially set new standards in Indian cinema’s sci-fi genre.”

In April, mid-day had reported that Arjun and Atlee had conducted look tests and a concept shoot in Mumbai (Beginning of another blockbuster, April 21). The team is apparently planning to take the project on floors in October. Another source reveals that casting is underway for two more female characters in the film.

The source shares, “The makers are in talks with Mrunal Thakur for one of the parts. After Sita Ramam [2022] and Hi Nanna [2023], she has a huge fan base in South, and the makers are keen to bring her on board.”

Actor Chiranjeevi sparked controversy after expressing his disappointment over not having a grandson during a film launch event in Hyderabad on Tuesday. While the Telugu actor’s seemingly playful comments drew laughs from the audience, social media users lambasted him for his “misogynistic” remarks.

The 69-year-old said, “When I’m at home, it doesn’t feel like I’m surrounded by my granddaughters; it feels like I’m a ladies’ hostel warden. I keep wishing and telling (son, actor) Ram Charan, ‘At least this time, have a boy so that our legacy continues.’”

He added, “But his daughter is the apple of his eye... I’m scared that he might again have a girl.” Ram (39) and his wife, entrepreneur Upasana Konidela (35) welcomed their daughter Klin Kaara, after 11 years of marriage. Meanwhile, Chiranjeevi’s daughters, Sreeja and Sushmita Konidela, have two daughters each.

Reacting to Chiranjeevi’s comments, one X user wrote, “Very sad use of words by Chiranjeevi garu. Girls carry the legacy forward the same as boys do or even better. Comments like these take us backwards (sic).” Another fan’s post read, “Your recent statement came across as misogynistic... Are you uncomfortable with the possibility of your son and daughter-in-law having another girl child? Or was it ‘remark’ made in ‘jest’?”

Interestingly, while announcing Klin Kaara’s birth in June 2023, the actor had called her a “little mega princess”. 

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.

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.

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

Having accompanied a friend who was serving as an assistant director on Student Of The Year 2 (2019) to the set, Akshay Arora recalls having witnessed the manner in which food was being served to the cast and crew. “I saw that it was not an enjoyable situation,” recalls the chef, who subsequently arrived at the idea of creating vanity kitchens for those on set.

“Having been an athlete, I had a sense of nutrition, so we thought [of serving healthy meals on set].”

While several meal subscription plans have made their way to the market, Arora says his company is distinguished in the fact that the quality of ingredients they serve is superior. “I knew that the food that I would provide would be of the same quality that I would use to put something into my system. We set a benchmark in that aspect, and also spent a lot of time, effort, and money into research and development so that we could create healthy food that was also tasty,” says the chef, who was admitted to an international university for a course on real estate development, but began to also accompany his friend to culinary classes during his time spent there.

“We use different culinary techniques to make food more appetizing, and our passion kept pushing us to do better.”

A bevy of stars, including Sidharth Malhotra, Vicky Kaushal, Kartik Aaryan, Karan Johar, Kiara Advani, Rohit Saraf, Arjun Kapoor, Vaani Kapoor, Sobhita Dhulipala, Mahesh Babu, and Ram Charan, among others, have availed of his services. After having bagged his first client in Malhotra, he recalls having been approached by Kaushal’s team as the actor was “transforming [his physique] for several projects at the time”.

Arora often finds himself aboard such projects that require actors to undergo a physical transformation. “We need to subsequently be in touch with their coaches and nutritionists to help them meet the purpose of making [the actors] ready for the film.”

Unlike the standard meals provided to the cast and crew on set, Arora creates custom-made meals for each actor. “Because it is tailor-made, we need to understand everyone’s nutritional requirement. During the filming of Student Of The Year 2, Tiger Shroff was on a really strict diet, and we created dishes around his requirements. We have a nutrition department, where nutritionists understand the actor’s goals, and current lifestyle. We also have a culinary department that caters to an actor’s culinary palette, and focuses on creativity. Each one reacts to food in a different way. Nutrition, for the human body is like astrology—it depends on each person’s individual problem. After we understand what works for people, we then inquire about their preferences. For example, some clients may like street foods like wada pav, and we need to [cater to those needs]. We also have to keep track of their lifestyle, sleeping patterns, hormones, and age. Many of them get only three to four hours of sleep due to their erratic schedules.”

Ask him if catering to celeb clients who are vegetarian is as difficult as it is perpetuated, and he responds in the affirmative. “It gets difficult when the calorie allowance is set, which it usually is. So, if someone can only eat about 1,000 calories, it becomes difficult to add enough proteins because a majority of the vegan proteins have high amounts of carbs and fats [which increase the number of calories consumed]. But if you’ve got enough macros to play with, you can easily get a good amount of protein through a vegan diet.” 

A defining aspect of his job is ensuring his team meets the demands of his clients, who are “high-achievers”. “Every minute of their life is dedicated towards being productive in the space that they’re working in, so our life has to match that. If our client has a 4 am call time, our team has to wake up an hour earlier, and sleep an hour after the client sleeps, to ensure they are [served each meal]. Usually, the team dedicated to the client has to be on the same schedule that the client is on.”

At this stage in his career, Ram Charan feels like “a kid in a candy store”. He considers himself fortunate to be collaborating with such talented filmmakers—be it S S Rajamouli, who gave him the blockbuster RRR (2022), or S Shankar, who is helming his next, Game Changer. In the upcoming political action thriller, the actor plays an IAS officer determined to combat corruption and promote fair elections. Charan says it was Shankar’s vision that drew him to the role.

“This film is special not only because of the story, but also because of the opportunity to work with Shankar sir, who brings a unique vision to everything he does. It’s a story that resonates with the current socio-political environment. I feel like a kid in a candy store because I am surrounded by people I have looked up to all my life. Today, I am sitting in the same room as A R Rahman; I’m grateful that I am starting a project with him in a month or two,” he says.

Life after RRR has been a joyride for the Telugu star. He says that the Oscar-winning film not only earned him fame beyond India, but also put Indian cinema firmly on the global stage.

“Films are a powerful medium through which we tell our stories, [show our] heritage, culture and emotions. Our struggles too are showcased, as are our victories—all done in an entertaining manner. The torchbearers for every film industry are the directors. Our stories are no longer just watched by the people from the diaspora, but by everyone across cultures! Our narratives are connecting with the world audience because we are keeping our stories rooted.”

You have seen her accompanying actors Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan’s sons, Taimur and Jehangir (Jeh) since they were babies, and even Klin Kaara — actor Ram Charan and businesswoman Upasana Konidela’s daughter. And now, Lalita Dsilva, who is not a nanny but a paediatric nurse, has become a talking point on the internet after she posted pictures with the newlywed businessperson Anant Ambani from his wedding.

“People recognise me now after the photos went viral,” says Dsilva, who has been in the profession for 30 years. She began her job of looking after the medical well-being of babies with the Ambanis. “Not just Anant; I also took care of Isha and Akash. It was an unbelievable feeling to be attending his (Anant) wedding,” she gushes. A mother of a 35-year-old son, Dsilva adds she worked with the Ambanis for 11 years.

“They invited me to Isha and Akash’s wedding too, but I was travelling with Taimur then. This time Ram Charan sir and Upasana ji helped me stay back and attend Anant’s wedding,” says the nurse, who has worked with just two film stars’ families; the rest have been business families.

In her sixties now, Dsilva has become a globetrotter as she accompanies celebs on their outings, including international holidays to Italy, Thailand as well as film shoots. She had travelled with Kareena to look after Jeh when the actor shot for Laal Singh Chadha (2022).

Speaking of the Khan family, Dsilva calls Kareena “an amazing, disciplined mother” and Saif a “hands-on” dad. One can’t forget the hysteria following Taimur’s birth, which an otherwise calm Dsilva found quite stressful.

“There was pressure from the public and media. I would tell people, ‘Yeh bachcha hai, don’t chase him; why are you behaving like this?’ I had no experience stopping them from clicking pictures, but I managed. I was concerned about Taimur’s safety,” she concludes.

He roars on the big screen, and triumphs at the box office. He’s witnessed the glory of the Oscars with RRR, which catapulted him into a pan-India star. But the role that Ram Charan is revelling in the most now, is playing daddy to his baby girl, Klin Kaara Konidela, who turns one soon. He rarely sits down for an interview, but on his first Father's Day, we had the superstar gushing about his li’l girl and admitting that he’s “addicted” to her in an exclusive conversation with us. Of course, the chat wouldn’t be complete without the mention of his own role model, his father and superstar, Chiranjeevi. Here’s to superstars playing super dads in their real-life roles. Read on…

During the first six months, I felt nothing, except a sense of responsibility and the fact that a new member of the family had joined us. I was amazed at the bond that a mother and child share and I just could not replicate that. Then I spoke to a friend of mine who is also a senior parent, and he told me that it happens and it’s normal to feel that way and that he didn’t feel that kind of connect with his second child until nearly a year after her birth. Now that Klin is interacting and recognizing people, she misses me when I am not at home…the whole ball game changed. I feel left out when I am not around her, so I don’t feel like going out.

Yes, for the next couple of years, I will plan my schedules around her, at least till the time she starts school. I don’t want to miss a single moment with Klin. I have worked hard for 15 years, and now I want to be back home by 6 pm. I tell my producers that this is how it is going to be. When I see her, my heart lights up. I just don’t feel like going to work. I don’t even let her go for a shower in the morning. I’m like, what, babies don’t need a shower! I’m that addicted to her.

I feed Klin at least twice a day, I love doing that. I do my readings with her, too. Upasana (wife) is a fantastic parent, but when it comes to feeding her, no one can beat me. I can get her to finish the whole bowl of food, I have some superpower when it comes to this.

When he’s with Klin, he becomes like her older sibling. He lets her hit him, punch him… it’s really cute to see that side of my father. He says, “Don’t call me grandfather, it’s so boring, call me Chirutha.” In Telugu, Tha (Thatha) means grandfather, and he adds Chiru to it. Chirutha also means Cheetah in our language. Just seeing my parents enjoy their time with Klin fills me with joy. You know it’s been a 10-year-long wait for Upasana and me, so we are all so happy. Klin has brought so much of luck into our lives.

I feel a lot of change has come about now with exposure and awareness. In the early years of a child’s life, it is crucial to provide them with a sense of security, where they feel cared for and not neglected. These are the foundation years, if we don’t focus on this now, later, this can turn into attention-seeking habits. So, I take her to play school, go to swimming classes with her, and take her to my readings so that we are part of each other’s routine.

It’s the way my father communicates and expresses himself. Ask anyone in the family and they will tell you that the number one quality of Mr Chiranjeevi is his communication and sense of appreciation for any kind of job well done. He would tell me, ‘In my growing up days as a struggling actor, I used to wait for people to appreciate me and say, Hey, Chiru, you did a good job.’ So, when he thinks someone deserves appreciation, he goes ahead and expresses it. Sometimes, at parties, my actor friends come up to me and tell me, ‘Hey Ram, your dad called me.’ I don’t even know he’s done that. He takes time out to reach out to my friends, whether it is Mahesh Babu or NTR Jr, to show them his appreciation for their work.

What he said is true. He didn’t say it so because it’s the right thing to say. He truly believes in what he said, and I can see it in the way he lives his life. He still wakes up at 5 am and competes with me in the gym. He doesn’t do it because he’s an actor, he does it for himself, to stay fit and healthy. He’s meeting more directors. He’s the busiest actor right now. He’s signed four films, and I am doing only one or two films (laughs). I don’t think my father is getting older, he’s reverse ageing.

Absolutely! Personally, I feel that if she explores her mother’s side, it will be great because we have so many actors on my side, we are so confused with so many releases in a year, and we are all fighting for release dates. Now I don’t want to fight with my daughter in this space (laughs).”

I think that’s what children do to us. At first, it is our parents who tell us how to be. And then, it’s our children who guide us in a certain way. The last one year has been a very interesting phase for me – from becoming more responsible, not just in my career and with regards to earning more for my family, but overall, as a person. I think my mind and body are functioning differently. After becoming a father, it feels like something inside me, like a software inside me has rebooted.

The good or bad part about me is that I don’t know how to take pressure. In fact, when a movie hasn’t done well, I have had a party. And when RRR became a success, I remember that for one week, I didn’t come out of the house. I was relieved, relaxed and just enjoyed family time. So, with me, it’s a contrast. In the same way, when I see someone like my father in the house, I don’t know how to react to it. I believe what I am doing today and right now is what is important. I think I do what is right as a son, father, brother…for that day. And if I can achieve it every day, I think I will achieve it in the years ahead.

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Talking about what he truly admires about his father, Ram says, “My father’s communication skills, dedication towards his work and his discipline are exemplary. He tells me, ‘I don’t care how successful you are, Ram, you have to take care of your dedicated staff around you. Secondly, however big or old you are, make sure you are disciplined, because even on your bad days, your discipline will see you through.’ He’s my inspiration and a living role model. It is difficult to live with a man like that (laughs).”

North meets south in the latest release of Game Changer as Punjabi music veteran Daler Mehndi renders a track for actor Ram Charan. Jaragandi, which translates to ‘let it happen’, is set against Punjabi beats, even as it boasts a south Indian flavour.

“The song was the vision of the music composer Thaman [S], with whom my last song, Banti Poola Janki, was created. He said he had a number that required my voice. I have sung both the Telugu and Hindi versions of this song. At the time of dubbing this number, I did not know who I was singing for, or even the film’s plot. I simply enjoyed the energetic composition, as I love Thaman’s work,” says Mehndi.

The singer believes that the track, also featuring Kiara Advani alongside Charan, appropriately blends its arresting visuals with the “vibrant composition”. “When I see [my voice being] featured on the Oscar-winning actor Ram Charan, my happiness knows no bounds,” he says of Charan, who starred in RRR (2022) that bagged an Academy Award in the music category. 

Ask him if the boundaries between the music industries of the north and south are fading, and he says, “Music is universal and is not bound by language, cultures, faith, or physical boundaries. In time, every song gets its due audience. The cultural blend, in my musical journey, happened in 1995, and I want to thank myself, Daler Mehndi, for this amalgamation. Bolo Ta Ra Ra seeped into every nook and corner of the country—north, south, east, and west. In fact, in Kerala alone, it sold two lakh units on its release. I am honoured to have my music break these boundaries.”

It is during his dubbing session for the title track of an upcoming Punjabi film that Mehndi responds to our questions. With a slate of projects in his kitty, he says he has his eyes pinned on his acting stint in Welcome To The Jungle.

“I am thoroughly enjoying my debut in acting for Ahmed Khan and Feroz Nadiadwala’s film. This is new to me, and I am making the most of each day on the shooting sets. In April, I begin my concerts. Soon after, I will announce my new EP,” he signs off.

It’s easy to feel lost when you stand in the shadow of a megastar. But entrepreneur Upasana Kamineni Konidela, who’s married to actor Ram Charan for 12 years, has a fresh take. “They say, behind every successful man there is a woman. When he’s shining, it’s great to be the shadow. And when I shine, he is secure enough to be in my shadow,” she tells us during a tête-à-tête, ahead of International Women’s Day tomorrow (March 8).

An established name in the medical world in her own right, Upasana is part of her family healthcare business. So, marrying an actor was a big change.

The 34-year-old says, “Previously, it was tough, as I came from a different world. Now, I feel proud. When you’re in the spotlight, you are going through a lot, and you need that one person to fall back on.”

As more women step into the workplace and excel in all fields, the notion that she can’t have it all — a career and a family life — still holds true for some. Upasana, who gave birth to her daughter, Klin Kaara, last year, says, “As a mum, it’s a battle for me to be as productive at work as I was before. The mindset and the corporate culture in India need to change to make it easier for women.”

Sharing what worked for her, Upasana adds, “Women should save their eggs by insurance. I saved my eggs too, and I am proud to say Ram and I made a choice to have a child when we were in a comfortable space,” she wraps up.

“Beyond being my wife, Upasana is my rock and the force that keeps us together. Whether it is with our family at home or contributing to her philanthropic projects, she excels in all roles due to her unwavering commitment and deep-rooted family values. Upasana has beautifully carried forward her family legacy.”

Actor Ram Charan’s makeup artist, Zeba Hassan Zaidi took to Insta to slam actor Shah Rukh Khan for “disrespecting” the RRR (2022) actor at Mukesh Ambani’s son Anant Ambani and businesswoman Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding celebration in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

As the three Khans — SRK, Salman and Aamir — performed Naatu Naatu from RRR, the Bollywood actor looked for Charan to join them. “Where are you, Ram Charan? “Idli vada Ram charan kahan hai tu?” he asked. Referring to this incident, Zaidi wrote, “I walked out after this. So disrespectful towards a star like Ram Charan.”

The internet wasn’t pleased either. One user tweeted, “Shah Rukh Khan is being racist to South Indians after a South Indian director gave him the biggest hit of his career.”

Janhvi Kapoor, who is all set to make her Telugu debut with Jr NTR’s Devara, has signed her second film. She is teaming up with Jr NTR’s RRR co-star Ram Charan in the upcoming film directed by Buchi Babu Sana.

A source from the film’s team confirmed, “It’s a pan-India project and the filmmakers were looking to cast an actress with a national recall. They zeroed in on Janhvi to play the female lead. She loved the script and agreed to come on board.”

Touted to be a rustic sports drama, the film will have Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar playing a crucial role. The source added, “The story is set in Uttarandhra and will showcase a different side of both Ram and Janhvi. The film will be shot in Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Bobbili, Parvathipuram, Rajam, etc.”

Director Buchi Babu is presently auditioning actors from the region to add an authentic rural flavour. “The team is aiming to begin shooting in May and will feature an ensemble cast,” adds the source.

A R Rahman is rendering tunes for the film. The film is expected to be launched in March. More details about the project are to be awaited.

Ever since Ram Charan was spotted in Mumbai, there has been growing chatter that work brought the actor to the city. A report by the portal 123Telugu claims that Charan has signed a Hindi film being directed by Rajkumar Hirani. However, this is not true.

A source tells us, “No, Ram Charan has not signed his next Bollywood project. Charan collaborating with Hirani for his next is mere speculation. Hirani is busy completing his next film, Dunki, with Shah Rukh Khan. We all know as a filmmaker, he doesn’t rush into projects. He will think about his next project only after Dunki releases, in December.” The source adds actors like Charan are coming to Mumbai for meetings with casting agents and their publicists “as they’re interested in a crossover”.

During his Mumbai visit, Charan also offered prayers at the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple. Stressing it was a personal trip, another source says: “Ram Charan, a devotee of Lord Ayyappa, came for his Ayyappa Deeksha (a sacred 41-day period where devotees wear black and follow a strict regime). It was his first after his daughter, Klin Kaara’s birth. He wanted to conclude it in Mumbai.”

On Tuesday morning, Ram Charan and Upasana Kamineni Konidel became parents to their first child, a baby girl. Both the mother and the baby are doing well, said the hospital, where Upasana was admitted on Monday. “Ms Upasana Kamineni and Ram Charan Konidela had a baby girl on 20th June 2023, at Apollo Hospital Jubilee Hills – Hyderabad. The baby and mother are doing well,” the hospital said in the medical bulletin.

Later, Ram Charan’s father, veteran actor Chiranjeevi, also shared the news of his granddaughter’s arrival in a Twitter post.

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Actor Ram Charan, 38, and his wife, entrepreneur Upasana Kamineni Konidela, 33, became parents for the first time and welcomed a baby girl on Tuesday morning.

In a medical bulletin, a hospital announced the birth: “Miss Upasana Kamineni and Ram Charan Konidela had a baby girl on 20th June 2023, at Apollo Hospital Jubilee Hills - Hyderabad. The baby and mother are doing well (sic).”

Charan’s father, veteran actor and politician Chiranjeevi, tweeted to announce the birth of his granddaughter: “Little Mega Princess (sic).” The superstar also visited the couple and the newborn on Tuesday.

RRR (2022) music composer Kaala Bhairava had composed a special tune for the newborn. Charan posted the song to Instagram to thank him and captioned it, “We are sure this melody will bring happiness and joy to millions of children across the globe (sic).”

The couple, who tied the knot in 2012, had announced their pregnancy in December 2022.