It was a big day for the Nandamuri family on Sunday, as Nandamuri Balakrishna attended the success meet of Jr NTR’s Aravinda Sametha as a chief guest. It is known that Balakrishna steered clear of his nephew (Harikrishna’s son) Jr NTR for the last few years and didn’t invite him to any function. “I couldn’t watch the film because I am busy shooting a biopic. But I appreciate the director and the team for making a good film,” said Balayya, adding, “Me and Jr NTR have done many films and the roles we played are larger than life, so only we can do justice to those roles.” He added that other actors can’t do these kinds of roles.
Both Kalyan Ram and Jr NTR thanked their babai for attending the function as the chief guest. “After our father (Harikrishna) passed away recently, babai has taken his place and we thank him for his gesture,” said both Kalyan Ram and Jr NTR.
According to a source, it is Kalyan Ram, who has played a key role in bringing Balayya and Jr NTR together on the same dais. “When Balakrishna visited Harikrishna’s house to console the family, he interacted with his nephews Kalyan Ram and Jr NTR. So, Kalyan Ram thought of continuing the same in the future too,” says a source.
“He discussed this with his brother Jr NTR and then invited Balakrishna, and the latter accepted. Jr NTR said if babai (Balakrishna) agrees, I’d be the happiest person,” adds the source.
From Balakrishna’s side, the move is important for him and his party in the coming days. Elections have already been declared in Telangana State, while Andhra Pradesh will go for the same next. So, it is testing time for AP Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
“In this context, Naidu, Balakrishna and other family members have decided to go along with the Harikrishna’s family that includes Jr NTR,” says a source. The growing popularity for Jr NTR is also another reason, since it gives off positive vibes if they go together. But it is unclear whether Jr NTR or Kalyan Ram will campaign for the party. “There are speculations that Kalyan Ram may campaign, but Jr NTR is definitely not interested in politics,” adds the source in the know.
HT05
