`I regret’: Surekha apologizes to actor Nagarjuna for Naga Chaitanya-Samantha divorce remarks

Hyderabad: A year on, Forest Minister Konda Surekha has apologized to veteran actor Akkineni Nagarjuna for controversial remarks.

Posted on X, the midnight apology has created a stir in the state.

Minister Surekha made controversial remarks against the veteran actor in October 2024, and a criminal defamation case was filed against her.

This apology at midnight on November 12 at 12.02 am has led to speculation about the out-of-court settlement. It has also set tongues wagging whether the minister is trying to save her skin after sensing potential legal repercussions in the defamation case.

The apology

In her message on X, Konda Surekha stated:

"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 given in my statements in relation to them and withdraw the same."

What was the controversy?

In October 2024, the minister sparked controversy when Minister Konda Surekha dragged the Akkineni family into a political debate while criticising Bharat Rashtra Samithi working president K T Rama Rao.

The Allegations:

During a public event, the minister made comments regarding the highly publicized divorce of Nagarjuna's son, actor Naga Chaitanya, and actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu. She alleged that KTR was somehow involved in the reasons behind the couple's 2021 split and made other derogatory remarks about the film industry. She reportedly suggested the controversy involving the Akkineni family’s N-Convention Center had led to the divorce.

Akkineni Family's Response:

The minister's remarks were met with swift and strong condemnation from both the film industry and the Akkineni family. Nagarjuna, stating that the comments had severely damaged his family's dignity and decades-long reputation, filed a private criminal defamation complaint against Konda Surekha, reportedly seeking ₹100 crore in damages under the relevant section of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Naga Chaitanya and Samantha also publicly clarified that their divorce was a mutual and private decision, urging the minister to respect their privacy.

Legal Proceedings: The court took cognizance of Nagarjuna's complaint. Both Nagarjuna and Naga Chaitanya appeared before the court to record their statements in the case. The court also recorded statements from other witnesses. The case has been proceeding, with the minister filing her reply, and hearings continuing.

Why November 12?

The court case hearing is on November 12, 2025, and the formal apology by Minister Surekha on her social media handle comes at a time when it will again become a point of discussion.

It is now up to Nagarjuna family to take a call whether to pursue the case of withdrawal.