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Niharika Konidela, Chaitanya Weren't Happy, Says Nagendra Babu: 'That Marriage Was Our Mistake'
Nagendra Babu reflects on daughter Niharika Konidela's divorce, admits the marriage was a misjudgment, and says happiness matters more than success.
Actor and producer Nagendra Babu has opened up about daughter Niharika Konidela's divorce from Chaitanya Jonnalagadda, calling their marriage a 'mistake." The former couple tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in 2020, but parted ways in 2023. Niharika, who made her acting debut with Oka Manasu in 2016, has since transitioned to film production.
In an interview with Deccan Chronicle, Nagendra Babu admitted that while they had good intentions, the marriage ultimately didn't work. 'My judgement was wrong. That marriage was our mistake. We couldn't judge it properly. We didn't force the marriage; when the proposal came, she said yes, and we thought it would be good," he said.
Babu further revealed that the decision to separate was mutual and made in peace. 'They weren't happy and didn't want to stay together, and I was okay with their decision," he added.
Emphasising that his children's happiness is his top priority, Naga Babu said, 'Niharika and I often talk about everything. I never intervene in my children's careers. I don't care if my children's movies are hits or flops; their happiness is my priority. What's the point of having crores if they aren't happy?"
He also shared his perspective on son Varun Tej's marriage to actress Lavanya Tripathi. 'When Varun told me about his relationship, I asked if he would be happy marrying her. He said yes. Now I see that they are peaceful and happy, which is all that matters to me," he said.
Currently, Niharika is focused on her career as a producer. She recently produced the 2024 rural drama Committee Kurrollu, which tackled themes of friendship, politics, and rural life. Made on a modest budget and with fresh talent, the film marked her entry into a new phase of her professional journey.
Nagendra Babu, younger brother of megastars Chiranjeevi and Pawan Kalyan, is a respected name in Telugu cinema. Niharika's wedding was a high-profile event, attended by stars like Allu Arjun, Ram Charan, Sai Dharam Tej, and Panja Vaisshnav Tej.
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