Born into the Kamineni family, she stepped into the family business after her education
Upasana Kamineni Konidela, wife of actor Ram Charan and daughter-in-law of megastar Chiranjeevi, stands out as a powerful figure in her own right. As Vice Chairperson of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Apollo Hospitals—the healthcare giant founded by her grandfather, Dr. Prathap C. Reddy—she plays a key role in leading a business empire valued at an impressive Rs 77,000 crore.
In a recent vlog on Kamiya Jani’s Curly Tales, the host summed up her impact, "She is a powerful force, heading a business empire valued at Rs 77,000 crore.” Born into the illustrious Kamineni family, Konidela stepped into the family business after completing her education, following in the footsteps of her mother.
Shobana Kamineni, who played a key role in growing their healthcare legacy. Today, Konidela not only oversees CSR at Apollo but also serves as Managing Director of Family Health Plan Insurance TPA (FHPL).
Adding to her multifaceted career, Konidela founded UR.Life, a holistic wellness platform, and has earned accolades such as the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Philanthropist of the Year. Forbes has also recognized her as a “Tycoon of Tomorrow,” underscoring her rising influence in healthcare and philanthropy.
Ram Charan, her husband, is a leading actor in Telugu cinema, widely acclaimed for his performances in blockbuster films such as Magadheera, Rangasthalam, and RRR. He is the son of Chiranjeevi, a legendary actor and politician.
However, despite the wealth, Konidela is candid about her financial independence and the challenges she’s faced. In a conversation with Masoom Minawala, she shared, “People think I come from a rich family, but I don’t have access to unlimited wealth that lets me do whatever I want. I had to learn how to run the business better and grow my wealth to align with my vision. It was crucial to stop relying on others and empower myself with the right skills and knowledge.”
In the interview, Konidela had also opened up about encountering patriarchy both at home and in the business world. While she acknowledged its presence early on, she emphasised that strong women in her family stood their ground, ensuring equality between men and women.
Upasana and Ram Charan got married in June 2012 in a grand ceremony attended by family and industry celebrities. Together, they are considered one of the most influential power couples in South India, balancing successful careers in business and entertainment.
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