In a recent turn of events, Tamil actor Karthi found himself at the center of a controversy after making a remark about the revered Tirupati laddu. The comment, made during an event in Hyderabad, did not sit well with actor-politician Pawan Kalyan, leading to a public apology from Karthi.
The Incident
On September 23, 2024, Karthi attended an event in Hyderabad where he was shown various memes, one of which involved the famous Tirupati laddu. Karthi’s reaction, “Ippudu laddu gurinchi maatladakodadu (we should not talk about laddu now), it’s a sensitive topic manakoddadi (we don’t want),” was met with laughter and cheers from the audience. However, this light-hearted comment quickly escalated into a significant issue.
Pawan Kalyan’s Response
Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and a prominent figure in the Telugu film industry, expressed his displeasure over Karthi’s comment. During a media interaction in Vijayawada, Kalyan emphasized the importance of respecting cultural and religious sentiments. He stated, “If individuals from the film industry wish to discuss the matter, they should either support it or choose not to comment at all. Don’t you ever dare to say that”.
Karthi’s Apology
In response to the backlash, Karthi took to social media to issue a heartfelt apology. He wrote, “Dear @PawanKalyan 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”13. This apology aimed to clarify his intentions and mend any misunderstandings caused by his earlier remark.
The Tirupati laddu controversy highlights the sensitivity surrounding cultural and religious symbols in India. While Karthi’s comment was a joke, it underscores the need for public figures to be mindful of their words, especially when discussing topics of significant cultural importance. Both Karthi and Pawan Kalyan’s responses reflect a commitment to maintaining respect and understanding within the community.
