Telugu superstar Nandamuri Balakrishna faces massive backlash on social media after a video surfaced online showing him pushing actor Anjali at an event.
Balakrishna was the chief guest at the pre-release event for Anjali’s upcoming movie ‘Gangs of Godavari,’ co-starring Vishwak Sen and Neha Shetty.
In the viral video, Balakrishna is seen pushing Anjali on stage after she couldn’t hear him.
Anjali’s co-star Neha was visibly shocked by Balakrishna’s gesture, but Anjali took it sportingly and started laughing. It’s unclear what the veteran actor said to Anjali before the push.
Anjali is known for her performance-oriented roles in several hit Tamil and Telugu films such as ‘Angaadi Theru,’ ‘Engaeyum Eppothum,’ ‘Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu,’ and ‘Geethanjali.’
While Anjali seemed unfazed by the incident, netizens are extremely upset with Balakrishna, calling him out for being disrespectful to women.
One user wrote, “It’s crazy how so many people give him a free pass by saying things like ‘it’s just Balayya.’” Another commented, “A talented actress treated like this is unacceptable.”
During the same event, Balakrishna mentioned that he doesn’t want his son, aspiring actor Mokshagna, to follow in his footsteps.
“I don’t want him to be inspired by me, although my fans might be upset with my decision," he said.
He added, “Mokshagna will be making his debut very soon, and it will be a much-awaited film. I’ll be behind him like a rock, but I wish for him to carve his own path.”
He continued, “I want my son to take a cue from new-generation actors.”
Balakrishna claimed he can match strides with younger heroes like Siddhu Jonnalagadda and Adivi Sesh and give them a tough fight.
“I am in no mood to give up,” he quipped
Balakrishna is currently basking in the success of ‘Akhanda’ and ‘Veerasimha Reddy’. He will reportedly collaborate with director Boyapati Srinu for ‘Akhanda 2’.
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