In a meeting that immediately sparked off political buzz, Union Home Minister Amit Shah interacted with popular Telugu actor Junior NTR, grandson of the legendary N T Rama Rao, in Hyderabad on Sunday night during his day-long visit to Telangana.
"Had a good interaction with a very talented actor and the gem of our Telugu cinema, Jr NTR in Hyderabad," Shah tweeted.
In response, Junior NTR said it was a pleasure meeting Shah.
"It was a pleasure meeting you and having a delightful interaction @AmitShah ji. Thanks for the kind words," he said.
Telangana Bharatiya Janata Party president and member of Parliament Bandi Sanjay Kumar said it was a personal meeting and that he was not present.
Some BJP sources claimed that Shah appreciated Junior NTR's performance in ace director SS Rajamouli's recent blockbuster RRR.
The meeting, however, triggered speculation that it could be a move to attract Junior NTR's fans and also Andhra Pradesh-origin voters in Telangana.
Junior N T Rama Rao, popularly known as Junior NTR, is a son of the late Hari Krishna, one of the sons of TDP founder and former chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh N T Rama Rao.
The actor had campaigned for the Telugu Desam Party in 2009 but has since stayed away from the party affairs and politics.
It is not known if he harbours any political ambitions.
Starting his career as a child artiste, Junior NTR rose to national fame with the recent RRR.
Separately, Shah also met media baron Ramoji Rao.
"Shri Ramoji Rao Garu's life journey is incredible and inspirational to millions of people related to the film industry and media. Today, met him at his residence in Hyderabad," Shah tweeted.
During his one-day visit to Telangana on Sunday, Shah addressed a public meeting at Munugode in Nalgonda district where Congress MLA K Rajagopal Reddy, who recently quit the party and his post, joined the BJP.
Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff.com
Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
