Ram Charan's Must-Have Meal Abroad: Why Rasam And Rice Always Win Over Risotto
When a global superstar like Ram Charan travels the world, dining at some of the finest restaurants across continents, fans often turn those spots into must-visit landmarks. Yet, despite his global lifestyle, the RRR actor's heart and taste buds remain firmly rooted in home. No matter where he is, Ram Charan follows one non-negotiable rule: at least one home-cooked Indian meal a day, just like his father, legendary actor Chiranjeevi. And not just any Indian meal, it must be a hearty South Indian spread, lovingly made, with rasam and rice always taking precedence over risotto and ravioli.
During a recent conversation with Curly Tales, his wife, entrepreneur and Vice-Chairperson of Apollo Charity, Upasana Kamineni, revealed the story behind his unwavering food ritual – and how it inspired her latest venture, Athamma's Kitchen.
Upasana shared that even after indulgent meals at Michelin-starred restaurants, Ram would inevitably say, 'Okay, now I need Indian food." This craving could strike at any time – sometimes as late as 11:30 p.m. – prompting the couple to hunt for South Indian food in faraway cities. And for Ram, authenticity was key: it had to be home-style, especially during hectic shooting schedules.
To make life easier during their travels, Upasana began packing dry, ready-to-cook South Indian mixes on trips. What started as a personal travel hack soon grew into a full-fledged brand. Athamma's Kitchen, launched in 2024, now brings the Konidela family's treasured recipes to fans worldwide, recreating wholesome, comforting meals in just ten minutes.
The brand draws its name and inspiration from Ram's mother, Surekha (affectionately called Athamma), who once prepared upma, pongal, and other pre-mixes for Chiranjeevi to carry on his film shoots. Today, those same time-tested recipes form the heart of Athamma's Kitchen's menu. For Ram, the favourite is still a humble combination: tangy, health-boosting rasam with a protein-rich onion-and-chilli omelette.
On the personal front, Ram Charan and Upasana's love story goes back to their college days. The two tied the knot in December 2011, and in 2023, they welcomed their daughter, Klin Kaara Konidela. Professionally, Ram was last seen in Game Changer and is now gearing up for his next big release, Peddi.
From movie sets to foreign shores, one thing is certain no matter how far Ram Charan travels, a plate of rasam and rice will always taste like home.
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August 13, 2025, 09:10 IST
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