Veteran actor Rajendra Prasad finds himself at the center of controversy yet again for using vulgar language during a public event. Despite facing backlash for his remarks targeting comedian Ali and actresses like Roja, Aamani, and Ravali, the senior actor has refused to apologize, citing close personal bonds with them. His unapologetic stance has stirred criticism within the industry, with many questioning the appropriateness of his behavior as a public figure
Suresh Kavirayani
sureshkavirayani@gmail.com
Senior actor Rajendra Prasad is once again in the news for his use of filthy language — and this time, he remains unapologetic. At director SV Krishna Reddy’s birthday function, the veteran actor used an unparliamentary word, referring to comedian Ali as “Lan*k…” in a public setting. He also made inappropriate remarks about actresses like Roja, Aamani, and Ravali.
This isn’t the first time Rajendra Prasad has made vulgar remarks in public. At the promotional event of the film Robinhood, he previously used offensive language against cricketer David Warner, for which he later apologized. However, in this latest instance, he refused to apologize. “They are all very close to me, and I can call them whatever I want. If you misinterpreted my words, that is your karma,” he said during the promotional event for his film Shashtipoorthi.
When asked to clarify, he added, “We are like family. I didn’t realize the event was going live. I thought it was a private function, and since they are close to me, I didn’t think it was a big issue.”
However, Rajendra Prasad is a public figure, and many people look up to him. Using such language at a public event has not gone down well. “From now on, I will stay silent at such events,” he stated, although he continued justifying his statements by insisting people were misinterpreting them. “I introduced Roja through my film, and the other actresses have worked with me in many films,” he said.
His conduct has now made him a problematic figure in the industry. “He should be avoided for future film events,” said a producer who wished to remain anonymous.
Interestingly, despite being called such names, actor Ali laughed and didn’t respond publicly. Even the female actresses mentioned did not speak up about Rajendra Prasad’s behavior. Roja, known for her fiery nature in both cinema and politics, also remained silent.
“When Rajendra Prasad used that word for Ali, he should have responded immediately. Instead, he laughed — what can we do in such a case?” said a member of the Telugu Film Chamber when asked about the actor’s unparliamentary language.
Later, comedian Ali requested people not to blow the issue out of proportion. In a video posted on Instagram, he said, “It was a slip of the tongue by Rajendra Prasad garu at SV Krishna Reddy’s birthday. He’s a senior actor and a good artist. Recently, he lost his daughter, and he has been emotionally distressed since. He treated his daughter like a mother figure. He didn’t say it deliberately, so please don’t make it viral or a big issue.”
