On Monday (23 September 2024), Indian actor and singer Karthi, during an event in Hyderabad for his upcoming film Meiyazhagan, said 'laddus are a sensitive topic,' offending actor and Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan.
Then, on Tuesday (24 September 2024), Kalyan referred to Karthi's comment, asking the film industry to refrain from speaking about the Tirupati laddu row.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Karthi Sivakumar (@karthi_offl)
For those who don't know, at the event, the anchor was showing Karthi various memes made on him and asked, "Do you want a laddu?" to which he replied while smiling, "Let's not talk about laddus now. It's a sensitive topic. We don't need it." This comment by Karthi was met with cheers and whistles. The anchor persisted, asking him if he would like a motichoor laddu, which Karthi refused. "I don't want a laddu," he replied.
What Did Pawan Kalyan Say?
Kalyan spoke to the media, warning the film industry not to comment on the row.
He said, "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."
How Did Karthi Respond?
After Pawan Kalyan spoke to the press, Karthi issued an apology on Twitter, saying it wasn't his intention to hurt anyone. He called it a 'misunderstanding,' and wrote, "Dear Pawan Kalyan Sir, with deep respects to you, I apologize for any unintended misunderstanding caused. As a humble devotee of Lord Venkateswara, I always hold our traditions dear. Best regards."
On the work front, Karthi will soon be seen in Meiyazhagan and Sardar 2. Pawan Kalyan recently resumed shooting for Hari Hara Veera Mallu, and will also star in They Call Him OG and Ustaad Bhagat Singh.
See Also: Netizens School Urvashi Rautela For Calling Pawan Kalyan CM Of Andhra Pradesh: 'First Learn And Then Tweet'