Prakash Raj, a vocal critic of right-wing ideologies and a staunch advocate of secularism, has been consistently speaking out against what he sees as the rise of religious extremism. His comments seem to suggest that some public figures, like Pawan Kalyan, are embracing the ideology of Sanatana Dharma to please a certain section of the population, or to politically position themselves as protectors of Hindu values. His statement, “why are they fearing me, I don’t understand,” implies that he finds it surprising that his views on secularism are being met with such hostility, particularly from figures like Pawan Kalyan, who has a strong religious and political following.
In the DMK meeting, Prakash Raj praised Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister, for his secular and progressive stances, which have often been critical of religious orthodoxy, including Sanatana Dharma. His praise for Udhayanidhi is seen by many as a jab at Pawan Kalyan, the actor-politician and Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh, who has recently adopted a more vocal stance on Hindu religious matters, particularly concerning the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).
Prakash Raj may be indirectly criticizing Pawan Kalyan for leaning towards Hindutva politics, thus contrasting his actions with Udhayanidhi’s progressive, secular approach. This comparison, especially when made publicly, has upset Pawan Kalyan’s fans and supporters of Sanatana Dharma, who view it as an unnecessary and derogatory comment aimed at their leader.
The tension between Prakash Raj and Pawan Kalyan likely stems from Pawan Kalyan’s strong stance on the management and protection of the sacred TTD. Pawan Kalyan has often raised concerns about safeguarding the sanctity of TTD from political interference and has positioned himself as a protector of Hindu traditions. This stands in contrast to Prakash Raj’s secular views, and it’s possible that Raj finds Pawan’s strong religious positioning as political posturing rather than genuine concern.
Additionally, Prakash Raj may be critical of how Pawan Kalyan has navigated his political journey by aligning with certain religious sentiments, which Prakash perceives as contradictory to a secular, inclusive society.
During the MAA (Movie Artists Association) elections, Prakash Raj contested for the president’s post and received backing from some members of the Telugu film fraternity, including the Mega family (Chiranjeevi and others). However, the election was fraught with controversy, and Prakash Raj eventually lost to Vishnu Manchu. Some reports suggest that Prakash Raj remained silent on certain issues during this time, perhaps to maintain alliances and goodwill with those supporting him, including the Mega family. His silence during
despite his usual outspoken nature, is seen by many as a strategic decision to avoid conflict with key figures in the industry.
The “million-dollar question” many are asking is why the Telugu film industry continues to support and engage with Prakash Raj despite his controversial views, especially those critical of Sanatana Dharma and right-wing ideologies. The answer lies in the fact that Prakash Raj is not only an accomplished actor but also a powerful voice in Indian cinema. His talent and versatility as an actor have made him indispensable in the industry, and despite his political and ideological differences, filmmakers still value his contributions.
However, his consistent criticism of Hindu traditions and figures like Pawan Kalyan has created a divide. Some feel that Prakash Raj should not be given a platform if he continues to attack deeply held beliefs. Others in the industry might still support him out of respect for his acting career or due to personal or professional relationships that transcend political differences.