Mumbai: Nani’s latest release The Paradise carries a deeply personal meaning for his family. As the Telugu star’s new film reaches audiences, his wife Anjana Yelavarthy has reflected on the difficult years that preceded his success and recalled a time when even getting a morning show for one of his films was a challenge.
In an emotional Instagram post, Anjana looked back at Nani’s early days in the film industry and compared them with the response surrounding The Paradise years later.
Her message highlighted how the actor gradually built a loyal audience through one film at a time.
Anjana Yelavarthy Remembers Nani’s Early Struggles
Anjana recalled an incident from 2009, when she and a group of friends skipped college to watch one of Nani’s films.
What they encountered at the theatre, however, was a reminder of how difficult the actor’s early journey had been. The film did not even have a morning show on its release day.
“I still remember 2009, when a couple of us bunked college to watch your film, only to find out it didn’t even have a morning show on its release day. I remember thinking how hard it must be for a newcomer to even get a film out there on time.”
For Anjana, the memory became particularly emotional when she saw the response to The Paradise years later.
She pointed out that audiences were now turning up for Nani’s film because of the trust he had established through his body of work.
“16 years later, seeing people turn up for Paradise simply because of the trust you’ve built, one film at a time, makes us all so emotional and grateful.”
‘Every Film Was Your Baby,’ Says Anjana
Anjana also described Nani’s films as if they were his children, acknowledging that every project had its own journey.
Some films performed well, while others encountered difficulties, but she said the outcome never changed the importance each project held for him.
“This ‘Rome’ was definitely not built in a day and I’m witness to it. I’ve watched every film be your baby. Some waddled, some ran, some bumped their heads along the way. Nothing ever mattered. It was still your baby.”
The analogy captured the personal investment Nani has made in his film career and the years it took to establish himself as a leading name in Telugu cinema.
An Emotional Message Ahead of The Paradise
As The Paradise began its theatrical journey, Anjana described the film as taking its first steps and expressed her support for her husband regardless of the outcome.
“Tonight, Paradise takes its baby steps. And whatever happens, it’s all going to be good. It’s going to be good. Anthe. We’ve got you like no other.”
Her post offered a glimpse into the personal side of Nani’s career, particularly the years before his films began receiving the kind of theatrical attention they attract today.
Nani and Anjana Yelavarthy’s Relationship
Nani and Anjana Yelavarthy were in a relationship for nearly five years before getting married in 2012.
The couple tied the knot in Visakhapatnam, Anjana’s hometown. They later welcomed their son Arjun in 2017.
Throughout Nani’s career, Anjana has occasionally offered glimpses of their personal life and his professional journey through social media.
Her latest post has resonated with fans because it places Nani’s present-day success in the context of the uncertainty surrounding his early career.
Nani’s The Paradise Hits Theatres
Directed by Srikanth Odela, The Paradise marks Nani’s second collaboration with the filmmaker following Dasara.
The film also stars Raghav Juyal and is among Nani’s major theatrical releases following HIT: The Third Case, which arrived in 2025.
Nani is also set to appear in Bloody Romeo, which is being directed by Sujeeth.
For Nani and his family, however, The Paradise represents more than another addition to his filmography. As Anjana’s message makes clear, the film is another milestone in a journey that began with considerably smaller steps.