Tamil actor Karthi apologizes to Pawan Kalyan over his Tirupathi "laddu" remark that sparked controversy

His comment sparked controversy, leading Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to issue a warning to Karthi.

Tamil actor Karthi has recently attracted attention for his controversial remarks about the Tirupati Laddu. Following his comments, Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan issued a warning to Karthi, condemning his statement as insensitive. Today, September 24, Karthi apologized to Pawan Kalyan and issued a statement on X.

Karthi posted a statement on social media platform x, just days after the 'laddu' controversy and wrote, "Dear @PawanKalyan sir, with deep respects to you, I apologize for any unintended misunderstanding caused. As a humble devotee of Lord Venkateswara, I always hold our traditions dear. Best regards."

Dear @PawanKalyan sir, with deep respects to you, I apologize for any unintended misunderstanding caused. As a humble devotee of Lord Venkateswara, I always hold our traditions dear. Best regards.
Karthi (@Karthi_Offl) September 24, 2024

Tamil actor Karthi, during a promotional event for his upcoming film Meiyazhagan, which is set to release as Sathyam Sundaram in Telugu, found himself in hot water after making a humorous remark about the Laddu saying "Laddu is a sensitive topic now."

During the promotional event, the anchor was showing Karthi various memes made on him and asked if he wanted a laddu. To this the actor smiled and replied, “Ipudu laddu gurinchi matladakoddu. Sensitive topic adi. Manaki oddu adi (Let’s not talk about laddus now. It’s a sensitive topic. We don’t need it).”

His comment sparked controversy, leading Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to issue a warning to Karthi.

Also read: Pawan Kalyan on doing films after becoming Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh: "Filmmakers must forgive me, I need to concentrate on first serving people"

While speaking to the media, the actor-turned-politician said, “I am telling the film industry. If you’re going to talk about it, talk respectfully. Or don’t talk at all. But people won’t forgive you if you joke about it or make memes. This is deeply painful for many. You’re joking about laddu…I saw how it was talked about at a movie event yesterday, how laddu is a sensitive issue. Don’t you ever say that, no. Don’t you ever dare to say that please. I respect you as actors, but when it comes to Sanatana Dharma, please, you have to think hundred times before you say a word.”

Interestingly, fans have commended Karthi for his apology, appreciating his willingness to take responsibility despite not being at fault. Many noted that he was simply trying to navigate a topic introduced by the event's anchor.