Nandamuri Balakrishna, a renowned figure in the Telugu film industry, has recently been at the center of controversy following a viral video where he is seen pushing actress Anjali during a public event on 30th may, Thursday . This incident occurred at the pre-release event for the film *Gangs Of Godavari*, in which Anjali stars alongside Vishwak Sen and Neha Shetty. The video has sparked significant backlash online, with many criticizing Balakrishna’s behavior.
The Incident and Initial Reactions
I want to thank Balakrishna Garu for gracing the Gangs of Godavari pre-release event with his presence.
I would like to express that Balakrishna garu and I have always maintained mutual respect for eachother and We share a great friendship from a long time. It was wonderful to… pic.twitter.com/mMOOqGcch2
— Anjali (@yoursanjali) May 30, 2024
During the event, Nandamuri Balakrishna, who was attending as a chief guest, was captured on video pushing Anjali on stage after she apparently didn’t hear him. The video quickly spread across social media platforms, leading to widespread condemnation. A section of the Internet massively slammed Balakrishna, with numerous users expressing their disappointment and anger over his actions. TV star Nakuul Mehta was among those who criticized the veteran actor, highlighting the lack of immediate response from those present at the event. He wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), “Not one person expressed their discomfort. Not one. Ridiculous behavior by the gent.”
Anjali’s Response to the Controversy
In the wake of the backlash, actress Anjali took to X to share her perspective on the incident. Her post included clips from the *Gangs Of Godavari* event and a statement expressing her gratitude towards Balakrishna for attending the event. Anjali wrote, “I want to thank Balakrishna Garu for gracing the *Gangs of Godavari* pre-release event with his presence.” She further emphasized their long-standing professional relationship and mutual respect, stating, “I would like to express that Balakrishna garu and I have always maintained mutual respect for each other and we share a great friendship from a long time. It was wonderful to share the stage with him again.”‘
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Support from Co-Stars
Following the incident, *Gangs Of Godavari* co-star Vishwak Sen also came forward in support of Balakrishna. In an Instagram story, he urged people to avoid negativity and focus on maintaining peace. His statement read, “Let’s stop hate speech and focus on maintaining peace instead of choosing negativity. Our team is gold. And our guest is double gold.” Sen’s defense of Balakrishna highlighted the close-knit nature of the film’s team and their respect for the veteran actor.
The controversy has sparked a broader discussion on social media about behavior and accountability, particularly concerning individuals in positions of power. Singer Chinmayi was particularly vocal, criticizing the societal tendencies that allow powerful men to avoid accountability for their actions. In her response to the viral video, Chinmayi highlighted two key issues. Firstly, she pointed out that people’s expectations for Anjali’s response to the incident are unrealistic given the pressure and immediate context she was in. “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,” she wrote.
Secondly, she addressed the broader societal issue where men in power, especially those with financial, caste, and political influence, are often not held responsible for their misbehavior. Chinmayi added, “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.”
Reflecting on the Incident
This incident has prompted reflection on several fronts. For one, it brings to light the challenges women face in the film industry, particularly when dealing with powerful male figures. The incident also underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their status or influence. The varied responses—from Anjali’s diplomatic approach to Vishwak Sen’s defense and Chinmayi’s broader societal critique—illustrate the complexity of navigating such situations in the public eye.
Moreover, the incident has raised questions about the culture of respect and professionalism within the industry. While Anjali and Vishwak Sen’s statements suggest a close and respectful professional relationship with Balakrishna, the public’s reaction indicates a demand for higher standards of behavior from public figures. This incident serves as a reminder of the scrutiny that celebrities are under and the impact of their actions on their public image and relationships with fans.
The controversy surrounding Nandamuri Balakrishna’s behavior at the *Gangs Of Godavari* pre-release event highlights significant issues within the film industry and society at large. It emphasizes the need for accountability and respect, regardless of one’s status. While Anjali’s and Vishwak Sen’s responses aimed to defuse the situation and affirm their respect for Balakrishna, the public reaction and broader discussions initiated by figures like Chinmayi point to a growing intolerance for unacceptable behavior from those in positions of power. As this conversation continues, it may lead to positive changes in how such incidents are addressed and how individuals are held accountable for their actions.
