This Bollywood paparazzi darling once caused 18-year rift between cousins Allu Arjun and Ram Charan?

In the glitzy world of Telugu cinema, two names dominate the charts, Ram Charan and Allu Arjun. They’re not just box office powerhouses; they’re also family. Charan belongs to the Mega family, son of legendary Chiranjeevi, while Arjun is from the Allu clan, son of producer Allu Aravind. With their fathers connected as brothers-in-law, one would imagine the two stars have grown up as close cousins, supporting each other’s soaring careers.

But, behind the smiles and carefully posed family pictures, lies a chapter of their past that’s far from picture-perfect. For nearly 18 years, the two reportedly did not speak and, according to several reports, the reason was not a professional rivalry or a box office clash, but a woman. And not just any woman, an actress who has now become one of the paparazzi’s hottest favourites.

The Actress Who Stole the Spotlight and Sparked Tensions

The actress at the centre of this alleged fallout is Neha Sharma. Today, Neha is known for her stylish gym looks, post-workout glow, and her frequent appearances with sister Aisha Sharma, the duo often setting social media abuzz with their fashion-forward athleisure fits. But back in the mid-2000s, Neha was making her first moves in the film industry, starting with Telugu cinema before making her way into Bollywood.

Her early Tollywood days were full of promise, and that’s when she reportedly met Allu Arjun. Rumours at the time suggested the two were close, with whispers that Arjun even considered marrying her.

When the Story Took a Dramatic Turn

Things changed in 2007, when Neha Sharma was cast opposite Ram Charan in Chirutha, a big deal for both, as it marked their Telugu debut. During the film’s shoot, speculation began to swirl about a growing bond between Neha and Charan. For Arjun, these reports allegedly didn’t go down well, especially because Charan was not just a co-star, but his own cousin. According to reports published over the years, including one by Navbharat Times, this was the turning point. The supposed romantic link between Neha and Charan led to tensions between the two stars, sparking a heated exchange and, ultimately, a long freeze in their relationship.

The fallout was so intense that they reportedly stayed out of touch for 18 years. Fans even noticed subtle hints on social media. A few years ago, Charan unfollowed Arjun on Instagram, though he continued following Arjun’s brother, Allu Sirish. Arjun, on the other hand, has famously kept his following list exclusive to his wife, Sneha Reddy.

Clearing the Air (At Least in Public)

At one point, Ram Charan addressed the Neha rumours head-on. Speaking on a TV chat show (as reported by Deccan Chronicle), he dismissed the talk of a “secret marriage” with Neha as baseless. He explained that such gossip surfaced right after Chirutha’s release and that his father advised him not to take it seriously. He also revealed that Upasana, his friend back then and now his wife, was well aware that the rumours were false.

Even after their marriage, Charan said they made sure gossip never affected their relationship. However, when it comes to his equation with Allu Arjun, both stars have chosen to remain silent about the rift, with neither directly addressing the unfollow incident or the reported 18-year silence.

While the personal drama may be years old, Neha Sharma’s current image is far from her quiet debut days. After making her Bollywood debut with Crook opposite Emraan Hashmi, she went on to appear in films like Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum, Youngistan, Tum Bin 2, and several music videos that capitalised on her glamorous persona. Off-screen, she’s become a paparazzi magnet, whether she’s spotted grabbing coffee, walking her dog, or stepping out of the gym. In the age of Instagram, her street style and casual athleisure looks have arguably made her more talked about than some of her on-screen projects.

Professionally, both cousins are at the peak of their powers. Allu Arjun’s Pushpa turned him into a pan-India superstar, and he’s now shooting for a big project with Atlee and Deepika Padukone. Ram Charan’s RRR performance earned him global acclaim, and he’s currently busy with Peddi. In the world of cinema, relationships, both personal and professional, can be as dramatic as the films themselves. And sometimes, the quietest names in the headlines, like Neha Sharma, can have the most unexpected backstories.