Film industry condemns Minister Konda Surekha’s derogatory remarks, demands immediate retraction

Jr. NTR was among the first celebrities to criticize Konda Surekha for her remarks, calling it a "new low" to involve personal lives in politics. He shared his statement with the hashtag #FilmIndustryWillNotTolerate, which quickly went viral.

Hyderabad: The derogatory remarks of Minister Konda Surekha about divorce of actors Samantha and Naga Chaitanya, continues to draw the ire of politicians, film fraternity and netizens alike, with actors K Chiranjeevi, NTR junior, Nani and several others condemning her comments and demanding her to immediately withdraw her remarks.

NTR junior was one of amongst the first few celebrities to call out Konda Surekha for her comments. He said that dragging personal lives into politics is a ‘new low’. He shared his statement with the hashtag – #FilmIndustryWillNotTolerate, which went trending online.

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“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. We should rise above this and maintain respect for each other’s boundaries. Let’s ensure our society does not normalize such reckless behavior in democratic India.(sic)” he posted on X.

Former Union Minister and senior actor K Chiranjeevi stated that he was extremely pained to see the disgraceful remarks made by an honourable woman Minister. He felt that celebrities and members of film fraternity have become soft targets as they provide instant reach and attention. “We as Film Industry stand united in opposing such vicious verbal assaults on our members. No one should stoop to this level for scoring political points by dragging unconnected people and more so women into their political slug fest and make distasteful fictional allegations. We choose our leaders to make the society a better place to live in, and not contaminate it by lowering the discourse. Politicians and people in honourable positions should set better examples. Trust the concerned will make amends and withdraw these malicious remarks immediately,” he said.

Actor Nani, without mentioning Konda Surekha, wrote that it was irresponsible of a person who is sitting in a respectable position to make such comments. “Disgusting to see politicians thinking that they can get away talking any kind of nonsense. 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 abt any political party. It is not okay for someone in such a respectable position to talk such utter baseless rubbish infront of media and think that it is okay. We all should condemn such practice which will reflect poorly on our society,” he added.

Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar wrote that one cannot make baseless and degrading statements about the film industry despite holding a respectable position. “I thought it was only those who need 2 minute fame and indulge in yellow journalism speak this language. But here, I see an absolute disgrace to womanhood. Konda Surekha garu, I am sure some values were instilled in you. Where have they flown out of the window? A person in a responsible position cannot make such baseless, appalling and degrading statements about my industry, my place of worship. Cinema industry will not be a mute spectator to such abuse anymore. Enough is enough. You have to apologise, as woman to another woman, to the entire movie industry for such baseless and false allegations. Democracy in India is not a one way traffic, but we shall refrain from stooping to your level,” she remarked.

Actor-politician Roja Selvamani also found the Minister’s disgusting remarks highly objectionable. She reminded that none supported the social media trolling of Minister Konda Surekha. However, she felt that out of frustration, the Minister stooped to new low by making even worse remarks against another woman. “Konda Surekha garu, how could you justify such derogatory remarks against another woman. It is unwarranted to drag unrelated individuals that too women, to fight your political battles. I hope Samantha and Akkineni family will overcome this,” she posted.

Actor-producer Lakshmi Manchu mentioned that politicians who crave attention throw a bunch of actors under the bus. “It’s infuriating ! And when something terrible happens in the state, they expect actors to stand behind them, pushing a political agenda. How is this fair? Why are we expected to stay silent just because we live in glasshouses? The pain cuts deeper when this comes from a woman. Have some respect for those who dedicate their lives to entertain, not to be used for political games. This stings, and it’s deeply unfair,” she said.

Director-producer Ram Gopal Varma took to X, stating that he was shocked to find Minister Konda Surekha horribly insulting the family of actor Nagarjuna, in her attempt to criticise her political opponent. “Dragging the most respected family of Nagarjuna to the streets, should not be tolerated,” he added.

Dasara director Srikanth Odela, in his X post, wrote that power and position cannot buy anyone dignity. “So bloody unfortunate to hear such disgusting comments especially from a person in a respectable position. This shows that power and position can’t buy you dignity. There are enough inhibitions for women who wanted to work in the film industry and pursue their dreams. Cheap and disgraceful comments like these only increase those fears. It is unfortunate that such remarks are made during Bathukamma festival which is celebrated to honour women,” he said.

Popular screenwriter and producer Kona Venkat mentioned that Konda Surekha’s comments leave a bad precedent and asked her to apologise to the film industry and to the Akkineni family. “I strongly condemn her every word and I request our Honourable Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy garu, to take this matter seriously and make her apologise for her derogatory and irresponsible comments. I also request the entire film fraternity to condemn her senseless statement,’ he said.

Actor Venkatesh Daggubati strongly objected to use a personal situation as political ammunition, with someone in a position of responsibility chosing to weaponise a private matter for political gain. “Our cinema family is built on mutual respect, hard work, and immense dedication to our craft and our personal lives. Public figures have an ethical duty to maintain dignity in public discourse. Dragging private lives into the political arena serves no one and only adds to the pain of those involved. I urge people in such important leadership positions to exercise restraint and empathy. Let’s be reminded that our actions and words carry weight—let’s use them to uplift, not to tear down,” he said.

Actor Allu Arjun strongly condemned the baseless and derogatory remarks made about film personalities and film families. He felt that this behaviour is deeply disrespectful and goes against the values of Telugu culture. “Such irresponsible action should not be accepted as normal. I urge the parties involved to act more responsibly and respect individual privacy, especially towards women. We must promote respect and dignity in society as a whole,” he posted on X.

In a statement on behalf of Movie Artists Association (MAA), its president and actor Vishnu Manchu also condemned the derogatory remarks made by Minister Konda Surekha, without naming her. He stated that the film industry operates on mutual respect and trust, and using the baseless allegations against film personalities for political wars is unfortunate. “As actors, we are in public eye, but we wish to keep our families private just like others. I request all politicians and influential persons not to drag those from film industry, especially their private lives, to settle their political scores. Film industry will not tolerate any attempts to hurt its families,” he asserted.