Telugu star Jr. NTR’s Kundapura visit with Rishab sparks rumours of his involvement in ‘Kantara’ prequel

Team Udayavani, Sep 1, 2024, 9:27 AM IST

Kundapura/Koteshwara: Renowned Telugu actor Jr. NTR visited his mother’s hometown of Kundapura on Saturday and stayed at a private hotel. His visit has fueled rumors about his involvement in the prequel to Rishab Shetty’s film “Kantara.”

The teaser for “Kantara-1,” which intertwines the story of the deity Panjurli with that of Parashurama, has already created a buzz online. There is considerable curiosity about the cast, with speculation that many well-known personalities may be involved.

It is also rumored that Jr. NTR is preparing for a new film with director Prashanth Neel, which could be linked to this visit. During his visit to the Udupi Sri Krishna Math, Jr. NTR was accompanied by Rishab Shetty and director Prashanth Neel.

Happy to Visit Kundapura

Jr. NTR shared his happiness on social media about visiting Udupi. He expressed that fulfilling his mother’s long-held wish to visit the Udupi Krishna Math before her birthday (on September 2) was the best gift he could give her.

He also extended his gratitude to Vijay Kiragandur and his dear friend Prashanth Neel for making this possible. He gave special thanks to his close friend Rishab Shetty for being present during this special moment.

Jr. NTR Visits Sri Krishna Matha

Udupi: Telugu film star Jr. NTR and his mother fulfilled a 40-year-old vow on Saturday by visiting the Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi. His mother, originally from Kundapura, has long been settled in Andhra Pradesh. Both mother and son visited the temple together, offering prayers to the deity Sri Krishna and fulfilling a vow made four decades ago.

Later, they received blessings from Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Matha and participated in a special religious ceremony. Jr. NTR, along with Rishab Shetty and director Prashanth Neel, spent the day at the temple and participated in the meal distribution.

Jr. NTR impressed everyone by speaking fluently in Kannada.

Kundapura Roots

Jr. NTR’s mother, Shalini Bhaskar Rao, originally hails from Kundapura. She married Nandamuri Harikrishna, the son of the legendary Telugu actor NTR. Like his mother, Jr. NTR is fluent in Kannada. Shalini’s ancestors are from Noojadi, near Hakladi, and she moved to Hyderabad at a young age.

A 40-Year-Old Wish Fulfilled

Jr. NTR mentioned that his mother had always wanted to bring him to Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, and that wish was fulfilled on Saturday. He expressed happiness that their family vow was completed during the auspicious Shravan month, attributing this to the divine will of Lord Krishna.

Prayers for Everyone’s Well-being

Speaking to the media, Jr. NTR said he prayed for the well-being of all and shared that he enjoys Udupi cuisine at home daily. He also expressed his joy over Rishab Shetty’s recent National Award win and acknowledged the presence of Prashanth Neel during their visit.

A Long-Awaited Reunion: Rishab Shetty

Rishab Shetty shared that he shares a brotherly bond with Jr. NTR and that it never feels like he is from Andhra Pradesh. He mentioned that it was a long-awaited reunion and that they had planned to visit the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha together, which they finally did.

He also confirmed that the shooting of the “Kantara” prequel is currently underway.