Was raped as a child, says Telugu film actor Rahul Ramakrishna

HYDERABAD: Telugu film actor Rahul Ramakrishna, who shot to fame as Vijay Deverakonda’s buddy in the superhit ‘Arjun Reddy’, on Tuesday revealed on Twitter that he had been raped in childhood. He, however, did not name his assaulter.
“Everything hurts,” the actor said. “I was raped during childhood. I don’t know what else to say about my grief, except for this, because this is what I seek to know about myself,” he said.In a series of tweets, he said: “I think there are empty voids in life. Treat the experience like a black hole. Do not give undue importance.”

The 29-year-old actor worked as a journalist for a while before plunging into Telugu film world. He came to tinsel town with his short film ‘Sainma’ and was recently seen in Allu Arjun-starrer ‘Ala Vaikuntapuram Lo’.
His other films include ‘Chi La Sow’, ‘Bharat Ane Nenu’, ‘Jayammu Nischayammu Ra’, ‘Sheeshmahal’, ‘Geetha Govindam’, ‘Mithai’ and ‘Brochevarevarura’.
Rahul further said: “Yes, it is painful. Yes, it is atrocious. But, it says more about the other person involved. It doesn’t make you a victim. You’re a warrior with a scar. Never give up.” “I live with the crime perpetrated upon me. There is never justice. Only momentary relief. Teach your men to be nice.”
His posts evoked several reactions from the film fraternity and netizens. Actor and comedian Priyadarshi Pulikonda, who acted with Rahul in ‘Arjun Reddy’, applauded him for coming out in the open. “I will never be able to understand the trauma you went through even if I try now. I can’t do anything. But want to just say, stay strong. You have handled it best to your capacity. You are a fighter. Love you brother!” tweeted Priyadarshi.
Another person tweeted, “Hugs and more Power to you Rahul. This revelation is painful, glad that you chose to do it regardless. Kudos! This will help some of the children to speak up and the parents to be more involved in their child’s life. How can we protect the kids?”
While another user tweeted, “Strength to you! It takes immense courage to be able to speak out about the horrors of one's child abuse, but it is the need of the hour... Awareness and vigilance is the only solution.”
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