Varun Tej on Konidela-Allu family dynamics: Chiranjeevi is headmaster

Telugu actor Varun Tej, while promoting his upcoming film Matka, opened about his dynamics with cousins Ram Charan and Allu Arjun and how his uncle Chiranjeevi has played the central figure in the Konidela-Allu family.

In Short

• Varun Tej, while promoting his next film Matka, opened up about his family dynamics
• During the interview, Varun called uncle Chiranjeevi the headmaster of the family
• “I’m a bit closer to Charan anna,” Varun said while speaking about cousins Ram Charan and Allu Arjun

Telugu actor Varun Tej recently shared insights into his close bond with his superstar cousins, Ram Charan and Allu Arjun, in a conversation with Siddharth Kannan. Reminiscing about their childhood, Varun credited his uncle, Megastar Chiranjeevi, for fostering family unity through regular gatherings. According to Varun, Chiranjeevi organised mandatory Sunday meet-ups at his home to ensure that the Konidela–Allu family stayed closely connected. He described his uncle as the “headmaster” who kept the cousins in line.

While speaking to Siddharth Kannan, when asked about the dynamic he shares with cousins Ram Charan and Allu Arjun, Varun said, “That is the case with both Bunny anna and Charan anna,” while referring to how they always have his back. He further said, “I am a tad bit closer to Charan anna because we grew up in the same house. If I have any 3 am problem, he is my go-to person,”.

While they may not meet as often now due to their demanding schedules, the family continues to cherish Chiranjeevi’s tradition of gathering for a grand Sankranthi celebration every year. This annual event, held over three to four days, brings the entire family together to reconnect and celebrate.

Reflecting on their upbringing, Varun expressed gratitude for Chiranjeevi’s influence, noting that his uncle ensured they remained grounded despite growing up with privilege. “Mr Chiranjeevi never let us turn into brats. He has the greatest role in making us humble,” Varun said while talking about Chiranjeevi’s impact on the upbringing of all the children in the family. He further added, “He always kept us in check, kept all of us grounded; he is like the headmaster”. Varun explained, adding with a laugh, “He has probably whipped all three of us in three different time zones at three different places. He has caned us a little bit”.

Varun Tej's most recent release, Gandeevadhari Arjuna, saw him in an action-packed role as an agent who uncovers a complex conspiracy during an international mission. The film received mixed reviews and had a modest run at the box office. His upcoming project, Matka, directed by Karuna Kumar, is set in the 1950s and 1980s, capturing a time of social and economic changes in India. The movie also stars Meenakshi Chaudhary and Nora Fatehi, and is scheduled for release on November 14, 2024.