Konda Surekha retracts comments, apologises to Nagarjuna and Akkineni family
HYDERABAD: Telangana Endowments Minister Konda Surekha has finally apologised to actor Akkineni Nagarjuna and his family for her remarks made in October 2024, nearly a year after the controversy erupted.
Posting her statement on social media shortly after midnight on Tuesday, the minister said her earlier comments were never intended to hurt or defame the actor or his family. “I regret any unintended impression given in my statements in relation to them and withdraw the same,” she stated.
Apology follows prolonged silence after earlier retraction
The late-night apology came as a surprise, as Surekha had retracted her comments against actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu in October last year but had not extended the same to Nagarjuna’s family. Her sudden statement has fuelled speculation that it was issued ahead of a court verdict in the defamation case filed by Nagarjuna.
Telangana Minister Konda Surekha’s apology marks a formal closure to a year-long row. True to his principles, Nagarjuna Akkineni chose law over theatrics, letting dignity and restraint speak louder than words. His measured response stands as a reminder that integrity outshines provocation.
Background: remarks on KTR, Samantha, and Nagarjuna
On October 2, 2024, Surekha made comments linking Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K T Rama Rao (KTR) with the divorce of actors Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya. Her statements drew widespread criticism from political and film circles.
She later apologised to Samantha and the Akkineni family, clarifying that her remarks were directed at KTR and not intended to offend anyone personally.
Legal action by Nagarjuna and KTR
Subsequently, Nagarjuna filed a criminal defamation case alleging that Surekha’s remarks had damaged his family’s reputation built over decades in cinema and social work. KTR also filed a similar case against her.
I would wish to clarify that the statement I had made in relation to @iamnagarjuna Garu was not intended to hurt Nagarjuna Garu or his family members.
I had no intention of hurting or defaming Akkineni Nagarjuna Garu or his family members.
I regret any unintended impression…
— Konda Surekha (@iamkondasurekha) November 11, 2025
