Nagarjuna and Tabu were once the subject of persistent rumours, with reports suggesting they were in a relationship for nearly a decade. Speculation was rife that the two even considered marriage, but according to reports, Nagarjuna's unwillingness to divorce his wife, Amala Akkineni , led to the relationship's end.
Despite widespread rumours, both Nagarjuna and Tabu have remained tight-lipped about the exact nature of their bond. However, in a 2017 interview with The Times of India, Nagarjuna candidly shared his thoughts about Tabu, saying, "Yes, Tabu is a fantastic friend of mine. Our friendship goes way back, since I was 21 or 22 and she was just 16 years old. That’s like almost half a lifetime… About our friendship, whatever is said is less. I have nothing to hide about her. When you mention her name, my face lights up… (laughs). It is as simple as that. Now, when I say things like that, if you want to read into it, then it’s your point of view. To me, she is a beautiful person and a beautiful friend. She always will be.”
Tabu, too, acknowledged their special bond in various interviews. During an appearance on Koffee With Karan in 2007, she described Nagarjuna as "one of the closest people" in her life and emphasized that their relationship was "very dear" to her. Tabu stated that she could not label their relationship but maintained that it was unchangeable and deeply important to her.
The duo’s on-screen chemistry was equally celebrated, with memorable performances in films like Ninne Pelladata, Aavida Maa Aavide, and Sisindri.

In an earlier interview with The Times of India, Nagarjuna’s wife, Amala, addressed the rumours surrounding her husband and Tabu. She said, "Tabu is one of the persons, besides Danny Denzongpa, my Rakhi brother, from Mumbai who I am in touch with. And, yes, she stays with us when she comes here."
Amala added, "Nothing will shake this belief. Nobody should bother about what happens under my roof. I am happy. And before you ask whether my husband and I have discussed this – never. My home is sacred, like a temple, and I don’t allow anything unpleasant from the film industry to come in, especially filthy gossip. I don’t encourage such talks. I feel it will contaminate my house.”