Srija and Sirish: Striking a happy note

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Two years after Chiru’s daughter tied the knot against his wishes, all is forgiven and forgotten Tollywood superstar Chiranjeevi’ daughter Srija had tied the knot in true filmi style in 2007 — she had eloped with boyfriend Shirish Bharadwaj, married against her family’s wishes and sought police protection. Two years later, the couple is on a vacation in Delhi with 17- month- old daughter Nivrithi whose birth helped improve relations between Srija and her parents. “ When we remember that time now, we just laugh. I am relieved and happy that my relations with my parents have improved,” says a happy Srija. She says it was only after Nivrithi’s birth that her mother and brother, popular actor Ram Charan Tej, came to the hospital to meet her. “ Everything fell in place when my daughter was born on July 5 last year. Before that, everybody was in touch with us only over phone,” she adds. It’s clear the couple has come a long way from their nightmarish experience in 2007. Shirish and Srija had married on October 17 in Hyderabad at an Arya Samaj Mandir and rushed to Delhi for protection after receiving threats from Chiranjeevi’s fans and supporters. The superstar was against his daughter’s alliance with a Brahmin boy. Srija moved the Delhi High Court saying her life was in danger and was granted police pro- tection on October 22. She had said in her plea that she feared a repeat of the infamous Rizwanur Rehman murder case. Recalling those moments now, Shirish says it’s hard to believe how both of them had so much courage to take on Chiranjeevi who is considered “ God” in Andhra Pradesh. “ It was inner strength and true love that made it possible. That time many people said I was doing all this at the behest of some politician. But we proved everybody wrong,” he adds. The couple returned to Hyderabad soon after the court’s decision in 2007. According to them, they started a new life with the hope that someday Chiranjeevi would forgive them and accept their marriage. “ When we visited market places, there were mixed reactions from people. Some used to praise us for our courage while others said I should not have upset my father,” Srija says. Tollywood and Bollywood directors also turned up at the couple’s door during that period, offering to make films on their love story. However, it was only after Nivrithi was born that the ice was broken with Chiru. Shirish says: “ She was the first granddaughter in Srija’s family and her parents and relatives started meeting us again. Things became normal gradually.” Srija’s in- laws were supportive throughout the couple’s ordeal. Shirish says his family ensured Srija never missed her parents. When asked whether the couple has any plans to join politics, Srija says, “ I was never interested in politics and even advised my father not to join it.” Shirish, on the other hand, is quite keen on the idea and plans to grab any political opportunity if it presents itself in the future. He currently has a business of his own and Srija is pursuing a chartered accountancy course.

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