In a moment of quiet heartbreak, the Allu-Konidela family has said goodbye to someone who never stood in the limelight but who shaped the hearts of those who did. Allu Kanakaratnam, the grandmother of superstars Allu Arjun and Ram Charan and wife of the legendary late Allu Ramalingaiah, passed away in the early hours of Saturday. She was 94.
Though she lived a life away from cameras and red carpets, her presence ran deep through the roots of a family that has helped define Telugu cinema for decades. Her passing has left a sense of stillness in a family that’s known for its energy, passion, and larger-than-life personalities.
A Family Matriarch Remembered
Born into a time very different from the world her grandsons now command, Kanakaratnam was the kind of matriarch who led with warmth, discipline, and quiet resilience. She was married to Allu Ramalingaiah, the comedy icon whose work still brings smiles across generations, and together they raised a family that would eventually grow to include some of the most powerful names in Indian film.
Allu Arjun & Ram Charan Mourn Grandmother Allu Kanakaratnam (Credits: MSN)
Her son, Allu Aravind, became a powerhouse producer. Her daughter Surekha wedded actor Chiranjeevi, and her son Ram Charan has become a pan-India phenomenon. All through, Kanakaratnam remained in the background, supporting, guiding, and loving her family through every step of their journey.
Chiranjeevi’s Heartfelt Note
When her death was announced, Chiranjeevi posted a touching tribute on social media. In a post that felt more like a son’s reflection than a public statement, he wrote:
“Our mother-in-law… The demise of Kanakarathnamma Garu, wife of Sri Allu Ramalingayya Garu, is extremely heartbreaking. The love, courage, and life values she showed to our families will forever be an inspiration to us. I pray to God that her sacred soul attains peace. Om Shanti.”
Simple, heartfelt, and full of respect, his words captured what many in the family were feeling but couldn’t quite say out loud.
A Sudden Return Home
Kanakaratnam passed away peacefully in her sleep around 1:45 AM on Saturday due to age-related health issues. As the sun rose over Hyderabad, her family began to gather. Her grandson, Ram Charan, who had been busy filming his upcoming movie Peddi in Mysore, reportedly wrapped up his shoot early and rushed home. The same went for Allu Arjun, who was in Mumbai working on director Atlee’s next project. He too flew back immediately upon hearing the news.
The family decided to keep her mortal remains at Allu Aravind’s residence, where close friends and relatives arrived throughout the day to pay their last respects. The final rites were held at Kokapet, a peaceful resting ground on the outskirts of Hyderabad.
More Than Just a Grandmother
Though fans mostly saw Allu Kanakaratnam as the mother of Allu Aravind or the grandmother of Allu Arjun, within the family she was far more than just a relative. She was the heartbeat of the home, someone who made sure values were passed down even as fame grew around them.
Allu Arjun & Ram Charan Mourn Grandmother Allu Kanakaratnam (Credits: Hindustan Times)
One touching moment that stands out came back in December 2024, when Allu Arjun had a brief legal run-in during the Pushpa 2 premiere. After returning home the next morning, a video surfaced of his grandmother performing a small ritual to protect him from the evil eye. She looked relieved but emotional, her hands trembling as she held his face, a grandmother’s love caught in a quiet, vulnerable moment. That clip softened hearts all over the internet, reminding everyone that regardless of how large a star gets to be, there’s always someone at home who just wants to ensure they’re fine.
Her True Legacy
Allu Kanakaratnam never sought the limelight, yet the difference she made cannot be ignored. Her courage lay not in public oration or social media fame; it lay in the way she brought up her children, in the principles she instilled, and in the profound, unshakeable connection she shared with her family. That kind of influence isn’t always visible, but it’s always felt.
As fans mourn with the Allu-Konidela family, it’s clear that her legacy isn’t just about who she was married to or who her grandsons are. It’s about the love and grounding she offered to a family that spends so much of its life under the spotlight.
She was their quiet place, their safe corner, and now, their most cherished memory.
Rest in peace, Allu Kanakaratnam Garu. Your light lives on through the people you shaped, the love you gave, and the lives you touched.