Telangana Minister Konda Surekha's comments on the Naga Chaitanya-Samantha divorce have been called out by a host of film industry celebrities. Chiranjeevi today said that he is "extremely pained to see the disgraceful remarks", adding that it is a "shame that celebs and members of the film fraternity become soft targets as they provide instant reach and attention." In a reassuring statement, the Megastar said that the "Film Industry stands united in opposing such vicious verbal assaults on our members."
"No one should stoop to this level to score political points by dragging unconnected people and more so women into their political slugfest and making distasteful fictional allegations," the 'Vishwambhara' actor said.
Jr NTR told Surekha that "dragging personal lives into politics is a new low". The 'Devara' actor said, "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."
Nani opined that it is "disgusting to see politicians thinking that they can get away talking any kind of nonsense." The 'Saripodhaa Sanivaaram' actor further stated, "When your words can be so irresponsible it’s stupid of us to expect that you will have any responsibility for your people. It’s not just about actors or cinema. This is not about any political party."
Chiranjeevi, Jr NTR and Nani are not the only non-Akkineni heroes to criticize the Minister. Sudheer Babu has also done so.