Anna Konidala, the wife of Telugu actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, had made a personal request to her social media followers months before the couple announced their separation after 13 years of marriage. In July 2026, Anna asked people to address her as Anna Konidala rather than Anna Lezhneva, explaining that she had officially adopted her husband’s surname when they married in 2013.
Her earlier statement has attracted renewed attention following the couple’s separation announcement on November 9, 2026. The decision to part ways has prompted fans to revisit Anna’s social media posts, which offered glimpses into her personal life and her relationship with the actor-politician.
Anna Konidala Explained Why She Changed Her Name
Anna shared her request in a personal Instagram note ahead of her birthday. She explained that many people continued to know her by her former surname because that was the name widely associated with her when news of her marriage to Pawan Kalyan first became public.
However, she clarified that she had taken her husband's surname on the day of their marriage in 2013.
In her message, Anna explained that her marriage certificate was the last official document on which her previous surname appeared. She said she had wanted to clarify the matter since opening her Instagram account but had struggled to find the right words.
Her request was straightforward: she wanted people to call her Anna Konidala because that was the name with which she identified.
The post was accompanied by a throwback photograph of Anna and Pawan taken during their first trip together to Saint Petersburg, Russia. The personal nature of the photograph and her explanation about her name offered followers a glimpse into a relationship that had largely remained private over the years.
Pawan Kalyan and Anna’s 13-Year Marriage
Pawan Kalyan and Anna married on September 30, 2013, in a private ceremony in Hyderabad. Anna, originally known as Anna Lezhneva, is a Russian national. Reports have linked their first meeting to the making of the 2011 Telugu film Teen Maar, in which she reportedly appeared in a brief role.
The couple largely kept their family life away from public attention. They have two children together, daughter Polena Anjana Pawanova and son Mark Shankar Pawanovich.
Over the years, Anna occasionally shared personal moments involving her family. Her Instagram posts in 2026 offered followers a rare look at her experiences, including the challenges of managing family responsibilities while Pawan pursued his political career.
In June, she wrote about the emotional difficulties she faced while caring for their children during his demanding political journey. She described periods of loneliness and uncertainty, providing insight into the pressures experienced by the family away from the public spotlight.
Anna also shared updates about Pawan’s recovery from shoulder surgery, expressing concern for his well-being and describing her role in supporting him.
Couple Announces Separation After 13 Years
On November 9, 2026, Pawan and Anna announced that they had decided to separate after 13 years of marriage. Their joint statement described the decision as one made with mutual understanding and respect.
The couple also emphasised that their relationship as parents would remain a priority. They said they would continue to be friends and devoted parents, with their children’s happiness and well-being at the centre of their decisions.
They requested understanding and respect for their privacy during the personal transition and thanked those who had supported them throughout their journey.
The statement did not disclose the reasons behind their separation. Neither the couple’s earlier social media posts nor Anna’s request regarding her surname establishes why the marriage ended.
Anna’s Earlier Posts Draw Renewed Attention
Following the announcement, Anna’s earlier Instagram messages have become a subject of public interest. Her July request to be addressed by her married name has gained particular attention because it was shared only a few months before the separation became public.
Her posts had offered glimpses of her identity beyond her association with Pawan Kalyan, including reflections on family, personal experiences and the challenges of public life.
However, the timing of her earlier statements should not be taken as evidence of the circumstances behind the couple’s decision. They have not publicly provided a detailed explanation for their separation.
For now, their joint statement remains the clearest account of their decision: they have chosen to part ways while maintaining mutual respect and a shared commitment to raising their children.
