Talk of the Town, When Filmi Glamour Takes Over

Actor Siddhu Jonnalagadda seems to have a special superpower when it comes to Gen Z. At last week’s Pink Power Run, where he was invited as a VIP guest, the moment he appeared, the young participants went into full fan mode — eager for a handshake, a selfie or even a few seconds of face time with the star.

Siddhu, quite effortlessly, became the centre of attraction, proving once again that filmi glamour comes with its own gravitational pull. The DGP, senior IAS officers and a former CBI chief were among the distinguished guests, but for the younger crowd, Siddhu was clearly the VIP of the VIPs.

Moral of the story: If you invite a film star, be prepared for a filmi magic to take over. That’s simply the power of glamour!

A fortune in a flash

Who has suddenly struck gold with a land parcel his family has owned for decades but which, until recently, had little value? Raju Naik. His friends are still stunned by the turn of fortune. Once considered a crony by many of his more affluent acquaintances, he is now reportedly richer than several of them, thanks to the unexpected windfall. Just goes to show — fortunes can change in a jiffy!

From Hyd to Sydney’s Mayoral chair

From a village in Telangana to a civic leadership role in Australia, Sandhya “Sandy” Reddy’s journey has come full circle in spectacular fashion. Hailing from Mellareddygudem in Vikarabad district, she studied law at Osmania University and Stanley College before moving to Australia in 1991. An immigration lawyer and community volunteer, she entered local government in 2021 and became Deputy Mayor in 2023. Now elected the 73rd Mayor of Strathfield Council in Sydney, Sandy has brought a little piece of Telangana to the Australian civic stage. Guess who is most delighted with her position? Apna Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, BJP MP. Apparently Sandhya is his niece — his cousin’s daughter! Infact even Srikala Reddy, who is now a big boss in Uttar Pradesh, is also Vishweshwar’s niece. Looks like there’s something special in this family, each one is an achiever!

Who What When Where Why

Who is now on the verge of changing his eating habits? TG SAFE chief Avinash Mohanty. Buzz is he loves good non-vegetarian food and is often ordering from different restaurants. With the city’s food-safety drive that has exposed all the filthy kitches in the city’s eateries, now one hears the IAS babu only wants “ghar ka khana.”

What did Cheri Pestonji do for her birthday? Holiday in Europe. Those who didn’t know wondered why she didn’t invite them for a party!

When sisters Bindu & Bhanu Reddy come for exhibitions, the organisers are delighted because these sisters are big shoppers. Especially at jewellery exhibitions.

Where are Ayodhya Rami Reddy and Dakshayini celebrating their son’s wedding? We hear one function will be in Venice or Tuscany.

Why does PP Reddy, better known as Pitchi Reddy, keep such a low profile when he’s among the top 10 richest men in the country? Another man, the richest in our state, but one would probably not even recognise if you were to see him, is the Divi Labs boss Dr Murli K Divi. Apparently he too just doesn’t like to flaunt his presence or his wealth.

When reel life meets real life

A film location has found itself facing an unexpected plot twist. A temporary bridge built for Ravi Teja’s Irumudi at Polluru Waterfalls in Chintur reportedly collapsed after heavy floodwaters battered the area. The spot had become a tourist draw, with visitors flocking to recreate their own cinematic moments. But nature had other plans. The episode is a reminder that even the most picturesque film set remains at the mercy of the elements.

Nizam Club’s night to remember

At 142, Nizam Club continues to hold its own in Hyderabad’s social calendar. Its latest Club Day celebrations reportedly brought together an impressive gathering, with President Zafar Javeed, Vice-President Ashfaq Ahmed, Hon. Secretary Muthyam Reddy and Social Activities Convenor Aamer Javeed leading the evening. A Sufi ghazal performance, elegant hospitality and surprise fireworks lent the occasion a celebratory flourish.

Wicked Whisper

Our city’s super rich businessman, who earlier was drak complexioned and rugged looking, is suddenly glowing, has turned few shades lighter and is looking fit as an athelete. Everyone is saying he’s been lately making many trips to the world’s best spas, has been

taking some treatments there for his complete transformation.

Doctors become Instagram darlings

Talking of the social-media bug, some of the most familiar faces on Instagram these days are young, good-looking doctors. One might have mistaken them for party birds/socialites — but they are, in fact, medicos who seem equally at home in a clinic, at the gym deadlifting, or posing in an off-shoulder dress for the ’gram.

However, the old school, brilliant doctors are not very happy with these “insta famous docs”, as they feel they are taking away the seriousness of the profession. In fact Dr Sivaranjini matter-of-factly said “Do not trust all the “glam gyan” being given on social media!

But let’s not judge. Dr Suma Tulla, former TDP minister Devendar Goud’s daughter-in-law, Dr Preeti Challa, Dr Pragnya Chigrupati, Dr Varshini Reddy are among those good-looking doctors, prominent on insta but also good at their profession.