A recent controversy involving Telugu superstar Nandamuri Balakrishna has ignited widespread debate on social media platforms. The incident took place a couple of days ago during a promotional event for the Telugu film “Gangs of Godavari” where Balakrishna allegedly pushed his co-star Anjali on stage. The altercation was captured in a video that soon became viral, drawing significant backlash against the actor.
In the video, Balakrishna is seen pushing Anjali away after she seemingly fails to hear him during the event. Numerous critiques surfaced online, labeling the actor’s behavior as inappropriate. Despite the negative attention, a longer version of the video emerged later, showcasing the actors sharing a light-hearted moment on stage, which cast the incident in a slightly different light.
In response to the uproar, Anjali took to social media to clarify her stance on the matter. She expressed her gratitude towards Balakrishna for participating in the promotional event and emphasized the positive nature of their relationship. “I want to thank Balakrishna Garu for gracing the Gangs of Godavari pre-release event with his presence,” Anjali wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I would like to express that Balakrishna garu and I have always maintained mutual respect for each other. We share a great friendship from a long time. It was wonderful to share the stage with him again,” she continued, seeking to downplay the incident.
Her statement did little to quell the criticism from both fans and industry professionals. Among those voicing their disapproval were notable celebrities such as playback singer Chinmayi and Hindi filmmaker Hansal Mehta, known for his works like “Shahid” and the popular series “Scam 1992”. Chinmayi, known for her outspoken views on women’s rights and social justice, lambasted those who rushed to defend Balakrishna.
. She wrote, “Don’t come and tell a woman what to say and how to behave when you have everything to gain and nothing to lose,” on X, denouncing any attempts to undermine the gravity of the situation.
Similarly, Hansal Mehta didn’t mince words in his condemnation. “Who is this scumbag?”, he posted on X, indicating his disgust towards Balakrishna’s actions. These reactions have added further fuel to an already heated discussion, prompting a wider conversation about gender dynamics and respect in the entertainment industry.
Balakrishna’s on-screen persona of a tough, no-nonsense character often translates into real-life expectations placed upon him by some of his ardent followers. However, incidents like these highlight the fine line between professional roles and personal conduct, sparking debates on the responsibility that comes with celebrity status.
As for the film “Gangs of Godavari,” it continues to attract attention, albeit for reasons the makers likely didn’t anticipate. Directed by Krishna Chaitanya and produced by Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, the movie features Vishwak Sen, Anjali, and Neha Shetty in lead roles. The movie released on May 31, 2024, amid the trailing controversies.
The “Gangs of Godavari” trailer, which had earlier created a buzz due to Vishwak Sen’s portrayal of a short-tempered anti-hero, now serves as a backdrop to the larger discussion about the actors involved. The extended controversy may shape audience reception and future engagements in the Telugu film industry.
While the revelations about mutual respect and friendship between Anjali and Balakrishna provided some solace to their fans, this incident underscores the broader issues of on-stage conduct and the expectations of accountability from celebrities. Whether this controversy will have a long-lasting impact on Balakrishna’s career or the public’s perception of him remains to be seen. For now, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the spotlight that constantly shines on celebrities, scrutinizing their every move, either in the limelight or behind the scenes.
