Rajamouli's "Telugu People" Comment Sparks Internet Fury!

SS Rajamouli, often likened to a master sculptor, has shaped the world of Indian cinema with monumental works like Baahubali and RRR. However, a simple phrase from him recently stirred up a storm-“7 Padma Awards for Telugu people this time.” It was a congratulatory post on the announcement of the Padma awardees, which were revealed on Republic Day. While Rajamouli’s message was meant to celebrate the achievement of several Telugu figures, it quickly became a topic of contention on social media.

The filmmaker, in his tweet, expressed immense pride in the recognition of Telugu individuals, including Nandamuri Balakrishna, Shekhar Kapur, and Ajith Kumar. His specific mention of “Telugu people” seemed to strike a chord with some internet users, who questioned why there was a need to distinguish between Telugu and other Indians. Comments poured in with users wondering if such a statement implied that Telugu people weren’t truly a part of India. Some even accused Rajamouli of hypocrisy, pointing out his pan-Indian reach in filmmaking while making such divisive statements.

However, a deeper look at the controversy reveals a different perspective. Rajamouli, a passionate Telugu, has always expressed his pride in his roots and culture. It’s not uncommon for individuals from any region to feel a sense of belonging and joy when someone from their community succeeds. Just as Hyderabadis cheer for Sunrisers in the IPL, irrespective of the team’s composition, Rajamouli’s pride in his language and culture is a natural emotion. His statement, while perhaps poorly worded, was likely a simple expression of pride in his heritage.