Shah Rukh Khan finds himself embroiled in controversy after a recent incident at the Ambani pre-wedding celebrations in Jamnagar, where his attempt at humor has sparked backlash from his South Indian fans and critics alike.
During the event, Shah Rukh Khan, alongside fellow Bollywood stars Aamir Khan and Salman Khan, invited Telugu film actor Ram Charan to join them on stage for a dance performance. However, Khan’s attempt at humor took a sour turn when he made use of random Tamil phrases, instead of Telugu, and concluded with a reference to “idli Ram Charan,” which has been perceived as insensitive and derogatory by many South Indians.
This incident has reignited a longstanding issue within the Hindi film industry, where stereotypical depictions of South Indians have been commonplace. The term “Madrasi” has often been used to categorize individuals from the southern states of Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, perpetuating inaccurate and offensive portrayals.
This isn’t the first time Shah Rukh Khan has been criticized for perpetuating such stereotypes. Films like “Ra One” and “Chennai Express” have faced backlash for their portrayal of South Indian characters, with Khan’s characters being depicted as unable to speak English properly and engaging in behaviors deemed derogatory.
Despite Khan’s collaborations with talented individuals from the South Indian film industry, including directors like Mani Ratnam and technicians like Santosh Sivan, his repeated reinforcement of harmful stereotypes has disappointed many fans. Some have taken to social media to express their dismay, calling out Khan for his actions and urging him to show more sensitivity and maturity.
Ram Charan’s makeup artist, Zeba Hassan, expressed her displeasure with Khan’s remarks, highlighting the disrespectful nature of his comments towards a fellow actor. The incident has sparked widespread outrage among South Indian audiences and Khan’s fans alike, leaving many questioning his judgment and calling for accountability.
As the controversy continues to unfold, all eyes are on Shah Rukh Khan to see how he responds to the criticism and whether he takes steps to address the harm caused by his remarks. With the incident gaining traction on social media and drawing attention from across the country, Khan’s handling of the situation will be closely scrutinized in the days to come.
Sources By Agencies
