Apr 01, 2026 9:30am IST
Niharika Konidela: ‘I Strictly Follow Ram Charan’s ‘Never Say Never’ Rule’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Even before her new film "Rākāsā" releases April 3, 2026, Telugu actor-producer Niharika Konidela has already announced her production house Pink Elephant Pictures’ next, "Bhari" with brother Varun Tej.
She tells Variety India that she always wanted to work with her brother, but he has always been busy. This time around, though, “when Varun heard the script, he loved it,” Niharika shares, adding, “In ‘Bhari,’ you will see him through my lens, be it his transformation or performance.”
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“Yadhu Vamsee will direct the sports drama that goes on floors in June 2026,” reveals Niharika, adding that “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. “Trust me, she will leave a lasting impression," the actor-producer promises.
When asked why she has not done many films as an actor, she shares, "Signing a film for financial security is not a priority anymore. The actor in me hasn’t taken a backseat. I am just waiting for the right character and story to come to me."
Despite an illustrious film lineage, Niharika says she has made it on her own. “I was the first in my family to earn a crore at 21,” she shares proudly, while quietly admitting, “Though things can get tense in this field, I always have guidance from my father Naga Babu, uncles Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan and Ram Charan, whom I can reach out to, for help at any time.”
She recalls the life-changing advice from Ram Charan that she still follows. “I strictly follow his ‘never say never’ rule. When I was new to production, he suggested I stay open to everything, as you never know where life can lead you,” she says.
Niharika also shares a special moment with Chiranjeevi. “Growing up, my uncles were very busy actors and we did not get to spend much time, but things have changed. Recently, when Chiranjeevi Garu asked me about a few aspects about recent trends in film production, I felt I had arrived. I was over the moon as such professional discussions never happened before,” she adds.
Meanwhile, Konidela has locked her next 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.”
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