Akhil Akkineni's freak accident changed him, says Nagarjuna at Lenin event

Actor Nagarjuna revealed that his son Akhil Akkineni lost sensation in his hand after a freak accident nearly two years ago. Speaking at Lenin's success event, he said the difficult phase changed Akhil's outlook and made him calmer.

In Short

• Nagarjuna recalled Akhil's freak accident that nearly severed a nerve
• Akhil lost sensation in his hand and his recovery took six months
• The actor said the accident changed Akhil's outlook and he became calmer

Actor Nagarjuna has spoken about what he called a “terrible time” for the family after his son, actor Akhil Akkineni, suffered a freak accident around one and a half to two years ago. Speaking at the success meet of Akhil’s latest film Lenin, Nagarjuna said a piece of glass had almost sliced a nerve, leaving Akhil without sensation in his hand. He said the family did not know if that sensation would return and that they chose not to speak about it publicly at the time.

The actor became emotional as he spoke about Akhil’s journey at the event. He linked the period after the accident to a change in Akhil’s outlook, saying, “Something changed in him,” adding that he is now calmer and thinking more clearly.

Recalling the incident, Nagarjuna said, “Around one and a half years to two years ago, a glass almost sliced his nerve in a freak accident. He lost the sensation in his hand completely. We didn’t know if he would regain that, it was a terrible time for all of us. Especially for me and Amala, we didn’t feel like we could share it publicly either. But somehow, with physiotherapy and all of that, it took him six months to come back.”

He then spoke about the changes he saw in Akhil after that phase. “And I think something changed then, something changed in him. He became calm and began to think the same way. These are all personal things that I’m telling you because now it’s time to tell you,” Nagarjuna said.

He went on to add, “I think that calmness, he got a partner (in Zainab Ravdjee), his good time began. He shot this film with that thought process. I’m so happy that he’s at that stage now. With no impulsive decisions, if he continues to think this calmly. Akhil, you have a fantastic future.”

Nagarjuna also said he prayed for Akhil’s success before the release of Lenin. “Whenever I go to Tirumala for darshanam, before or after Annamayya, I have no request to God. I have everything I need. But this time, I prayed for God to give him a hit, a blockbuster. I only found out later that Bhagyashri asked for the same thing for herself. So, I must thank Venkateswara Swamy,” he said.

More about Lenin

Lenin is written and directed by Murali Kishor Abburu. The film is jointly produced by Akkineni Nagarjuna and Suryadevara Naga Vamsi under the banners of Manam Enterprises LLP and Sithara Entertainments, and is presented by Annapurna Studios. It stars Akhil Akkineni and Bhagyashri Borse, with Ramki, Sivaji, Sunil, Brahmaji and Easwari Rao also part of the cast.

India Today gave the film a rating of 2 stars. A part of the review read, "There comes a point in every romantic hero's career when charm stops being enough. The search begins for a film that can bridge the gap to the 'mass' audience. On paper, Lenin looks like exactly that opportunity for Akhil Akkineni. A rural backdrop, emotionally charged characters, mythological undertones and enough twists to promise a larger-than-life entertainer. It has all the ingredients of a career-defining film. Unfortunately, it never learns how to put them together."

Despite mixed reviews, the film has earned a total gross collection of Rs 29.45 crore in its opening weekend. The film collected Rs 7.80 crore overseas in three days, taking the film's worldwide gross collection to Rs 37.07 crore.

- Ends