Upasana Kamineni Konidela, Apollo CSR Vice-Chairperson and wife of actor Ram Charan, has responded to the intense debate triggered by her recent social media post on marriage choices. The post drew widespread attention, prompting reactions from notable personalities including Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu, as well as thousands of netizens who expressed both criticism and support. Addressing the varied responses, Upasana said she was pleased that her post sparked a healthy discussion and followed it up with another message posing key questions on women’s autonomy over marriage and motherhood.
In her clarification, Upasana issued a “fact check” outlining her personal timeline. She stated that she married at 27, chose to freeze her eggs at 29 due to personal and health-related reasons, welcomed her first child at 36, and at 39 is now expecting twins. She stressed that she gave equal importance to personal life and career, asserting that marriage and professional growth are not competing goals but stages that unfold at the right time. She added that every individual should have the freedom to decide when to marry or have children based on their circumstances.
Upasana also shared her interaction with IIT Hyderabad students, noting that more men than women raised their hands when asked if they were planning to marry soon. She interpreted this as an indication that young women are prioritising career building—reflecting the mindset of a “New India.” In a related video, she advised young women to consider egg freezing as a form of “insurance,” giving them control over their reproductive choices. She further remarked that marrying after achieving financial stability can be beneficial.
Meanwhile, Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu responded to her post, reiterating his view that youth should marry and have children in their 20s to fulfil societal and ancestral responsibilities. Although he acknowledged that his views may appear old-fashioned, he maintained that such values could regain relevance. His comments sparked diverse reactions from netizens, with some arguing that economic pressures are a major factor behind the trend of delaying marriage among today’s youth.