Everyone knows that North Indians always look down South Indians. During those days Vijaya Productions chief Nagi Reddy used to head the Indian Film Producers association. He got orders from Delhi that due to shortage, Indian films duration shouldn't exceed 12000 ft.
Producers from Bombay gave their consent as Hindi films length used to be within the prescripted instructions. However, south filmmakers had issues as most of the films crossed 3 hours duration.
They sent Nagi Reddy to represent their case with Union Industries and Commercial Ministry. Former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri used to head the ministry.
He used to share good relation with Shastri who used to address him as 'Chandamama Reddy'. The moment he saw the requisition letter, Shastri questioned, “When other languages are making films within 12000ft length, why is it not possible for you? Our culture is not the same?"
Nagi Reddy asked, “If you don't mind, the way you wear dhoti is attractive. How much length is your dhoti?” Shastri replied with a smile around 6 mooras. This is our culture.”
Nagireddy at once remarked, “We use only four mooras. But it is not justified to ask others to shorten 6 mooras tradition to 4". Shastri understood the real intent of Nagireddy and he issued orders exempting South filmmakers from the new rule.