Hyderabad, Jan 28 (IANS) Popular Telugu hero and Praja Rajyam party leader Pavan Kalyan Wednesday finally tied the knot with his long-time live-in partner and former actress Renu Desai.

The marriage, Pavan's second, took place at the actor's house in the upmarket Jubilee Hills neighbourhood here in the presence of a few family members and film personalities.

Pavan Kalyan is the youngest brother of actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi and president of Praja Rajyam's youth wing.

Chiranjeevi, who floated Praja Rajyam last year, his brother Nagababu, and other family members attended the marriage performed as per Hindu customs.

With elections fast approaching, Pavan Kalyan's marriage to Renu seems to be a move to blunt the criticism by rival political parties. The actor was criticised by leaders of different parties for living with a woman without marrying her. The couple also has a five-year-old son.

Sources close to the family said Pavan could not marry Renu till now due to legal hassles involved as he was already married to Nandini. The differences with Nandini finally led to divorce last year.

The 38-year-old had married Nandini before launching his film career in 1996. Nandini had filed a case of bigamy against Pavan, alleging that he had married another woman without divorcing her.

A court in Visakhapatnam, however, dismissed the bigamy case due to lack of evidence. Renu had also told the court that they were not married.

Pavan later initiated divorce proceedings and struck an out-of-court settlement with Nandini in August last year by reportedly paying her Rs.50 million.