Hyderabad: Padmalaya Studios in Filmnagar has been accused of transferring land to Krishna’s wife G. Padmini Priyadarshini, daughter G. Manjula and other family members.
In 1982, the Padmalaya Studios, owned by veteran Tollywood actor G. Siva Rama Krishna Murthy, popularly known as Krishna, was given 9.518 acres in Filmnagar in Shaikpet mandal at a throwaway price of Rs 8,500 per acre. The market price then was approximately Rs 5 lakh per acre. Currently, the studio stands on just about four acres, valued at anywhere between Rs 400 crore and Rs 500 crore as per prevailing market rates.
The 9.5 acres was part of the 50-acre land that was given by the then government to promote the Telugu film industry and make it change its base from Chennai to Hyderabad.
In March 2006, a show cause notice was issued by the Hyderabad Collector to reclaim 5.3 acres, as it was being used for reasons contrary to allotment conditions, but was turned down by the Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy government in 2007.
In 2008, the issue resurfaced, when Mr Harish Rao moved the AP High Court in 2008 against this “illegal” sale of land.
Similarly, of the total of 22 acres of land in Banjara Hills given to Annapurna Studio belonging to the Akkineni family, some acres were in violation of rules.
In 1984, the NTR government took back the misused land but following a legal battle the land was given back to the studio.
Akkineni members approached the government to change the condition of the sale deed, however a government order was issued with conditions.
Again in December 2013, Nagarjuna approached the government to change the grant conditions of the land. He asked the government as to why he can’t lease out the land to a third party or take up constructions, when the land deed has been in their title, said a source.
Four acres of the total land given to Annapurna Studios has been vacant for a long time, which it is said is used for outdoor shooting. Some parts are said to be given out on lease to a business group against the norms, which is yet to be confirmed.
