Niharika Konidela opens up about Ram Charan's advice
What's the story
Telugu actor-producer Niharika Konidela has revealed that she follows the "never say never" rule suggested by her cousin Ram Charan. In a recent interview with Variety India, she recalled, "When I was new to production, he suggested I stay open to everything, as you never know where life can lead you." "I strictly follow his 'never say never' rule."
Future plans
Konidela reveals 'Bhari' is her highest budget movie to date
Konidela's production house, Pink Elephant Pictures, is set to produce a film titled Bhari with her brother Varun Tej. She revealed, "Yadhu Vamsee will direct the sports drama that goes on floors in June 2026. The film will be made on a budget of ₹60 crore, my highest to date." A "Telugu girl" has been cast in the female lead role for this project. Konidela added, "Trust me, she will leave a lasting impression."
Career insights
'Signing a film for financial security is not a priority...'
When asked about her limited acting roles, Konidela said she was waiting for the right character and story. "Signing a film for financial security is not a priority anymore," she added. Despite being from a film family, she emphasized her self-made success. "I was the first in my family to earn a crore at 21," she proudly shared, while also admitting that she often seeks guidance from her father, Naga Babu, and uncles Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan, and cousin Charan.
Family discussions
'Recently, when Chiranjeevi garu asked me about a few aspects...'
Konidela also shared a memorable moment when her uncle Chiranjeevi asked her about the latest trends in film production. "Recently, when Chiranjeevi garu asked me about a few aspects about recent trends in film production, I felt I had arrived," she adds. "I was over the moon as such professional discussions never happened before."
Career progression
What's next for her?
Konidela has already planned her next project after Bhari. "It will be a low-budget urban drama with a young cast," she maintains, adding, "It is not the budget, but the stories that fascinate me." Signing off with a statement of intent, she shares, "It has been 10 years since I started Pink Elephant Pictures, and I am in the best phase of my career. The best is yet to come."