Bhuma Mounika Manchu Signs MOU With AP Govt

Bhuma Mounika Manchu, wife of actor Manchu Manoj, has signed a major investment agreement with the Andhra Pradesh government. The MoU was signed at the 31st CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam on November 12, through her Hyderabad based startup Namasthe World, with a proposed investment of ₹36.24 crore.

The project will establish manufacturing centres in Kurnool and Visakhapatnam, focusing on traditional Indian toys, handicrafts, handloom based garments and sustainable clothing. Manchu Manoj accompanied his wife during the signing ceremony. The initiative aims to take Andhra Pradesh's traditional crafts to wider markets while creating new business opportunities for local artisans and skilled workers.

One of the major highlights is its employment potential, with around 950 direct jobs and 100 indirect opportunities expected across logistics and supply chains. The manufacturing model will also reuse surplus handloom fabric to produce dolls and soft toys, while the company is exploring AI and robotics to modernise traditional toy making.

The agreement also builds on Namasthe World's earlier three year MoU with the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board, signed in Tirupati on October 26. The partnership focuses on promoting Etikoppaka and Kondapalli toys through original characters, short films and QR linked experiences. The startup has developed over 55 plush designs, sold more than 43,000 BIS certified toys and partnered with Reliance Brands. Mounika, daughter of late Bhuma Nagi Reddy and Bhuma Shobha Nagi Reddy, also has a strong family connection to Kurnool, while her sister Bhuma Akhila Priya represents Allagadda as a TDP MLA.

- Veda