Pawan Kalyan Warns Film Industry Against Downplaying Tirupati Laddu Dispute; Karthi Offers Public Apology for Recent Comments
Picture Credits: CineJosh
By Pavethran Batmanathen
During a recent promotional event for his upcoming film *Meiyazhagan* in Hyderabad, Karthi made a light-hearted remark regarding laddus, sparking controversy. When the event’s host presented him with memes, they jokingly asked, “Laddu kavala naina? (Do you want a laddu?)” Karthi, smiling, responded, “Ipudu laddu gurinchi matladakoddu. Sensitive topic adi.
Manaki oddu adi (Let’s not talk about laddus now. It’s a sensitive topic. We don’t need it).” This comment elicited cheers and whistles from the audience. However, when the anchor pressed further, suggesting a motichoor laddu, Karthi firmly declined, stating, “Laddu oddu (I don’t want a laddu).”
The backlash from Karthi’s comments prompted Pawan Kalyan, an actor and Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, to address the media the following day. He cautioned the film industry to avoid making light of the Tirupati laddu controversy. Pawan emphasized, “I am telling the film industry. If you’re going to talk about it, talk respectfully. Or don’t talk at all.
But people won’t forgive you if you joke about it or make memes. This is deeply painful for many. You’re joking about laddu…I saw how it was talked about at a movie event yesterday, how laddu is a sensitive issue. Don’t you ever say that, no. Don’t you ever dare to say that please. I respect you as actors, but when it comes to Sanatana Dharma, please, you have to think a hundred times before you say a word.”
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