Hyderabad | August 31, 2025

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor Pawan Kalyan visited the residence of producer Allu Aravind in Hyderabad on Sunday to offer condolences to the grieving Allu family following the demise of Allu Kanakaratnam, mother of Aravind and grandmother of actor Allu Arjun.

Kanakaratnam, aged 94, was the wife of legendary Telugu actor and Padma Shri awardee Allu Ramalingaiah. She passed away in the early hours of Saturday due to age-related ailments. Her death has cast a shadow of sorrow over the prominent Allu-Konidela family, known for its deep roots in the Telugu film industry.

Pawan Kalyan Meets Allu Family

Unable to attend the funeral procession on Saturday owing to a prior political commitment in Visakhapatnam, Pawan Kalyan paid his respects a day later. He met both Allu Aravind and his son Allu Arjun at their residence, offering words of comfort during the difficult time.

Telugu producer Sreenivasa Kumar shared images of Pawan Kalyan’s visit on social media, showing the Jana Sena Party chief consoling the family. Kalyan’s wife, Anna Lezhneva, had already visited the family home on Saturday to pay condolences on his behalf during the funeral rituals.

Emotional Moments During Funeral

The passing of Kanakaratnam brought together members of the Allu and Konidela families. Actor Ram Charan, who was shooting for his film Game Changer in Mysore, rushed back to Hyderabad after hearing the news. At the entrance of the residence, he was seen embracing his cousin Allu Arjun in an emotional moment that reflected the family’s shared grief.

Both Ram Charan and Allu Arjun also acted as pallbearers during the funeral procession, carrying their grandmother’s body with visible sorrow. A particularly poignant moment came when Allu Arjun’s young son Ayaan broke down in tears, being consoled by his father during the rites.

Chiranjeevi’s Emotional Tribute

Megastar Chiranjeevi, who is married to Allu Aravind’s sister Surekha, posted a heartfelt tribute on X (formerly Twitter). Calling Kanakaratnam an embodiment of love, courage, and values, Chiranjeevi wrote:

“Our mother-in-law... The demise of Kanakarathnamma Garu, wife of Sri Allu Ramalingayya Garu, is extremely heartbreaking. The love, courage, and life values she showed to our families will forever be an inspiration to us. I pray to God that their sacred soul attains peace. Om Shanti.”

He also revealed that in accordance with her wishes, her eyes were donated after her passing, a gesture widely praised by fans and followers on social media. Many hailed the humane act, noting that it added dignity and compassion to an already painful moment for the family.

Remembering Kanakaratnam

Kanakaratnam had been a central figure in the Allu family, standing by her husband, Allu Ramalingaiah, through his illustrious acting career. Over the years, she became a respected matriarch, guiding her children and grandchildren, many of whom went on to achieve prominence in Indian cinema.

Her passing marks the end of an era for the Allu-Konidela family, which has given the Telugu film industry some of its biggest stars, including Allu Arjun, Ram Charan, Chiranjeevi, and Pawan Kalyan himself.

A Time of Mourning

The visit by Pawan Kalyan reflected not just a personal gesture but also the close ties that bind together this influential film family. With Kanakaratnam’s passing, the Telugu film fraternity has lost a guiding force whose values and blessings shaped generations of artistes.

As the family comes to terms with the loss, fans and admirers continue to pour in condolences on social media, remembering the dignity with which she lived and the inspiration she leaves behind.