Tirupati laddu controversy | Pawan Kalyan diffuses tension with Karthi: ‘Essential for us to handle such topics with care’

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However, Pawan Kalyan took offense at the Tamil actor’s laughter and issued a warning — without naming anyone — to all film celebrities, urging them not to make jokes about the Tirupati laddus. “I respect you as an actor, I urge everyone from the film fraternity to either support this fight or stay silent,” he said speaking to the media.

In response, Karthi apologised to Pawan, stating, “as a humble devotee of Lord Venkateswara, I always hold our traditions dear.” Now, Pawan has accepted the apology, easing the tension. He emphasised that issues surrounding their sacred institutions like Tirupati and its laddus carry deep emotional weight for millions of Hindu devotees and claimed that it is essential for celebrities to handle such topics with care.

Dear @Karthi_Offl garu,

I sincerely appreciate your kind gesture and swift response, as well as the respect you’ve shown towards our shared traditions. Matters concerning our sacred institutions, like Tirupati and its revered laddus, carry deep emotional weight for millions of…

— Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) September 24, 2024

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

Pawan Kalyan reacts for Karthi’s comment on Tirupathi Laddu 🤦🏻‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/NyWaFWqUMv

— Kolly Buzz (@KollyBuzz) September 24, 2024

“Our responsibility as public figures is to foster unity and respect, especially regarding what we cherish most—our culture and spiritual values,” he added, before wishing Karthi success with Meiyazhagan. In a gesture of more respect, Karthi thanked the Andhra Deputy Chief Minister in a comment on the post.

While Karthi’s prompt apology may have been influenced by the impending release of Meiyazhagan on September 27 worldwide, including in the Telugu states, Pawan Kalyan’s quick acceptance of the apology could be linked to his need for support from Tamil audiences for his delayed big-budget films — Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1 – Sword vs Spirit, Ustaad Bhagat Singh and OG, all of which require significant box office performance to recoup their production costs.