Chiranjeevi apologises to actor Rajasekhar after assault (Lead)

Hyderabad, Jan 28 (IANS) Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi apologized to actor Rajasekhar and his family members after his fans attacked them here Monday.

Chiranjeevi reached Rajasekhar's house and met him and his family members, hours after they were attacked by fans in the heart of the city to protest some remarks by Rajasekhar.

Strongly condemning the attack, the superstar tendered an apology before media persons. 'You are my brother. Please forgive me,' Chiranjeevi said holding Rajasekhar's hand.

'It is very unfortunate. In a democracy, one has every right to express his opinion and one can react but not in a violent way,' he said.

The car carrying Rajasekhar and his family members was attacked in Panjagutta in the heart of the city when they were going home from the railway station Monday morning.

The actor, his wife Jeevita and their two teenaged daughters received minor injuries and the windowpane of the car was smashed in the assault. The actor and his family received treatment at a private hospital.

Rajasekhar stated Sunday that he would not join the political party to be floated by Chiranjeevi, as the latter had no political experience. He was talking to reporters in Bheemavaram in coastal Andhra Pradesh.

'I am feeling very sad that Rajasekhar, Jeevita and their daughters were attacked. They (fans) have acted like rowdies. They should keep in mind that I also go out with my children,' Chiranjeevi said.

'Rajasekhar expressed his personal views. My fans might have felt hurt over what he said but they should not have resorted to physical attack,' said Chiranjeevi.

'My fans have not acted at my behest. This is not in my nature,' said Chiranjeevi in an obvious reference to the allegation by Rajasekhar and his wife that he was behind the attack.

Panjagutta police registered a case on a complaint by Jeevita, a former actress. She alleged that some people in four cars chased them and attacked their vehicle.

'They threw stones and chased us. They wanted to kill us. Anything could have happened,' said Jeevita.

'Is this democracy? Is it wrong to say that Chiranjeevi has no political experience? Can't I express my opinion in a democracy?' asked Rajasekhar, as he spoke to reporters outside the hospital.

'Mr. Chiranjeevi, is this what you wanted? This is not leadership. If you want to become a leader, come in the public. You can't become a leader through violence,' he added.

Following the incident, the police stepped up security at Rajasekhar's house here. The actor appealed to Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy to provide security to him and his family members.

Angered by Rajasekhar's comments, Chiranjeevi's fans also staged demonstrations against the former in other parts of the state. Protests were also held at Guntur and Vijayawada as the fans demanded an apology.

There has been speculation here for some time that Chiranjeevi will launch a political party soon.

Popular actor and former MP Mohan Babu and other film personalities also condemned the attack on Rajasekhar.

A couple of minister and ruling Congress party leaders visited Rajasekhar's house and condemned the attack.

Rajasekhar, a physician who also acted in some Tamil films, admitted that he too has political ambitions and also wanted to serve people by opening hospitals. He is considered close to the Congress party.