Telugu superstar Nandamuri Balakrishna has sparked controversy after a video of him pushing actor Anjali on stage went viral. The incident occurred during a promotional event for the Telugu film Gangs of Godavari, directed by Krishna Chaitanya. In the video, Balakrishna is seen asking Anjali and her co-star Neha Shetty to step aside before pushing Anjali, almost causing her to fall. Despite Anjali laughing it off, the incident has ignited a storm of reactions on social media.
Chinmayi Sripaada’s Fierce Response
Singer Chinmayi Sripaada has responded vehemently to the backlash faced by Anjali. On X (formerly Twitter), Chinmayi criticized the trolls for shaming Anjali for her reaction. She stated, “One of the biggest problems that I notice from people sharing this ‘Look at her laughing. She should have _____’ 1. It is NOT possible to respond according to your spectator response as you watch this on your device. This most moral policing, holier than thou – pure as driven snow – Harishchandra /Sri Ramachandramoorthy or their relative incarnates will fail to understand.”
Critique of Society’s Double Standards
Chinmayi further highlighted society’s failure to hold powerful men accountable. She tweeted, “2. Society itself refuses to hold men in power who misbehave responsible; Especially when they come from money, caste and political power. Don’t come and tell women what to say and how to behave when you have everything to gain and nothing to lose.” This comment addresses the deep-rooted issues of power dynamics and societal expectations of women’s responses to misbehavior by influential men.
Public Outcry Against Balakrishna
Social media users have expressed outrage over Balakrishna’s behavior. One user commented, “That horrible subhuman had been getting away with it for decades! When will he ever face consequences for his actions?” Another person tweeted, “Balakrishna should apologize to Anjali by touching her feet. What kind of behavior is this worst fellow?” The incident has led to widespread criticism of Balakrishna, with many calling for him to face consequences for his actions.
Incident Details
The widely-shared video shows Nandamuri Balakrishna, a special guest at the Gangs of Godavari promotional event, pushing Anjali on stage. As he moves to the center of the stage, he asks Neha Shetty and Anjali to step aside. Moments later, he pushes Anjali, who almost tumbles and falls. Anjali, along with Neha and others on stage, laughs it off, but the act has been deemed disrespectful by many netizens.