Tollywood's favorite sibling duo, Varun Tej and Niharika, are a testament to the enduring power of family. Hyderabad Times caught up with the pair at Varun's home, where he was celebrating his first Varalakshmi Vratham puja post-marriage to Lavanya Tripathi. Niharika's recent success as a producer added a layer of joy to the festive atmosphere.

A Love Story Beyond Rakhi

"We've always been super close," shared Varun, reminiscing about their childhood spent together, from school to college, even sharing a room for years. "Rakshabandhan is special, but the love shouldn't be limited to just one day," he added. This year, Lavanya joins the celebration, adding a new dimension of "pure madness" with their playful banter.

Niharika, ever the enthusiastic sister, chimes in, "I love this festival! I always tie Rakhi to Anna first. But he's so lazy on Rakhi mornings because we party the night before!" She laughs, "I've had to drag him out of bed, and there have been times when I've tied Rakhi to him while he's still in his shorts!"

From Fights to Unwavering Support

Their bond, however, wasn't always smooth sailing. "We used to fight a lot," confessed Niharika, "I'd hit Anna, and he'd give me a light pinch – but the drama I'd put on!" Varun adds with a grin, "My dad would see her perfect acting and scold me."

As they matured, their relationship evolved. "We have a deep sense of support and protectiveness for each other," Varun explained, "As you grow older, you naturally become more protective, offering advice, standing by each other through thick and thin."

Niharika shared a hilarious anecdote about Varun's protective instincts: "He walked me to class on my first day of college, put his arm around me, and introduced me as his sister. For three years, no boy even looked my way! They said, 'We don't want to date you.'"

A Family of Celebration

Their love extends beyond their immediate family. Niharika ties Rakhi to her cousin, Charan, teasing him mercilessly. "He's like a replica of Chiranjeevi garu," she laughed. She also ties Rakhi to her younger brother, Akira (Pawan Kalyan's son), and to her cousin, Sushmitha, for the support she once offered.

Pride and Protection

"Today, I'm incredibly proud of Niha," Varun shared. Niharika, in turn, acknowledged her brother's protective nature, saying, "Anna is very protective of me."

The bond between Varun and Niharika is a heartwarming reminder of the enduring power of family. Their story is a mix of laughter, love, and a healthy dose of sibling rivalry – a testament to the strength of their connection.