Telugu cinema’s powerhouse Nandamuri Balakrishna lovingly known as Balayya Babu has worked with many female co-stars over the decades. But only two actresses Tabu and Honey Rose hold the rare chance of playing both his wife and mother in films. Yes you read that right.

Here’s how Honey Rose impressed with just one film?

Hailing from Malayalam cinema Honey Rose made her Telugu debut with the 2023 blockbuster Veera Simha Reddy. Despite it being her only Telugu film so far she left a lasting impact by portraying not one but two pivotal roles — Balakrishna’s wife and mother. Her performance was so seamless and nuanced that audiences accepted the duality without hesitation.

Did Tabu do the same before? Here’s what we know

Absolutely. Superstar Tabu known for her powerhouse roles in both Bollywood and South Indian films played a similar double role back in 2002. In the film Chennakesava Reddy she essayed the role of the senior Balakrishna’s wife and junior Balayya’s mother. The film became a hit and Tabu’s versatility only added to its iconic status.

Her performance remains one of the most memorable in Balakrishna’s career and fans continue to recall it fondly two decades later.

Balakrishna’s upcoming projects

Balayya is currently filming Akhanda 2 under the direction of Boyapati Srinu. The sequel to the hit Akhanda promises to be bigger and grander with massive sets a huge budget and electrifying action sequences. A recently released teaser featuring Balayya’s fiery Shiv Tandav sequence has already set the internet abuzz.

After delivering four consecutive hits Balayya is now aiming for an all-India blockbuster. With Akhanda 2 being marketed as a pan-Indian release expectations are sky-high.

These two actresses may not have shared the screen but their unique roles in Balakrishna’s cinematic journey show just how vital strong female leads have been to his storytelling.