Varun Tej reveals Chiranjeevi 'caned' him, Allu Arju and Ram Charan, says, "He has whipped all three of us"

Telugu actor Varun Tej recently shared some heartwarming details about his bond with his cousins, Ram Charan and Allu Arjun, and how their legendary uncle, Chiranjeevi, has played a central role in shaping their family dynamics. Varun, who is promoting his upcoming film Matka spoke openly about the deep connection he shares with his cousins and how Chiranjeevi’s influence has kept the Konidela-Allu family united over the years.

In a conversation with filmmaker and interviewer Siddharth Kannan, Varun recalled their childhood days and credited Chiranjeevi, often called the "Megastar" of Telugu cinema, for bringing the family together through regular Sunday gatherings at his house. These meet-ups were a tradition set by Chiranjeevi, who made it a point to ensure that his family stayed close-knit. Varun referred to Chiranjeevi as the "headmaster" of the family, explaining that he was the one who kept everyone in line. He also mentioned how Chiranjeevi was like a guiding figure for them, making sure they didn’t become spoiled by their fame or privileges.

Talking about his cousins, Varun mentioned that he shares a special bond with both Allu Arjun, affectionately called Bunny anna, and Ram Charan, known as Charan anna. While they all have each other’s backs, Varun revealed that he is slightly closer to Charan because they grew up together in the same house. Varun said, “If I have any 3 am problem, Charan anna is my go-to person.” This shows the strong, supportive relationship they have, one that goes beyond just being family members.

Despite their busy schedules and different paths in their careers, the family still cherishes the tradition set by Chiranjeevi. Every year, the entire family gathers for a grand Sankranthi celebration, a festival that brings them together for a few days to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company. Varun emphasized how important these gatherings are in maintaining their family bond.

Varun also reflected on how Chiranjeevi’s influence shaped their character growing up. He said that, even though they grew up in privileged environments, Chiranjeevi made sure they remained humble and grounded. Varun jokingly added, “Mr. Chiranjeevi never let us turn into brats. He has the greatest role in making us humble.” According to Varun, Chiranjeevi was not just a source of love but also a source of discipline. He laughed as he shared, “He has probably whipped all three of us in three different time zones at three different places. He has caned us a little bit” This light-hearted remark reveals how Chiranjeevi ensured his nephews and niece were well-behaved and stayed focused on their values, no matter their fame.

On the professional front, Varun Tej’s recent film Gandeevadhari Arjuna saw him playing a strong action hero involved in uncovering an international conspiracy. While the film received mixed reviews and didn’t perform exceptionally well at the box office, Varun is excited about his upcoming project Matka. Set in the 1950s and 1980s, the film is a period drama that explores social and economic changes in India. The movie, directed by Karuna Kumar, also stars Meenakshi Chaudhary and Nora Fatehi. Matka is set to release on November 14, 2024, and Varun hopes it will connect with audiences in a meaningful way.