Pawan Kalyan, Andhra Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister, has publicly acknowledged Karthi's apology regarding the recent Tirupati Laddu controversy. Karthi had earlier faced criticism for laughing when questioned about the use of animal fat in the temple's revered prasadam.
In a tweet, Pawan Kalyan expressed his appreciation for Karthi's swift response and the respect shown towards shared traditions. "Matters concerning our sacred institutions, like Tirupati and its revered prasadam laddus, carry deep emotional weight for millions of devotees, and it's essential for all of us to handle such topics with care," he wrote.
Pawan Kalyan clarified that his intention was not to criticize Karthi, acknowledging that the situation was unintentional. "Our responsibility as public figures is to foster unity and respect, especially regarding what we cherish most - our culture and spiritual values," he stressed.
The actor-politician also expressed his admiration for Karthi's acting talent and wished him, along with Suriya and Jyotika, all the best for the upcoming release of their film "Meiyazhagan" (titled "Sathyam Sundaram" in Telugu).
The controversy erupted after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that animal fat was used in the Tirupati laddus during the previous government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. The allegations, however, were met with strong denials and accusations of political motives from Reddy's party, the YSRCP.
Pawan Kalyan's response emphasizes the importance of sensitivity and respect when discussing religious and cultural matters, particularly those deeply ingrained in societal traditions. His public acceptance of Karthi's apology serves as a reminder of the need for cautious and considerate behavior, especially for public figures who influence public opinion.