New Delhi: Veteran Telugu actor Rajendra Prasad has sparked a massive row with shocking comments on Tamil legend MGR. While praising the late Kantha Rao at an award event, he claimed MGR was terrified of Kantha Rao’s acting prowess.
Now, Kollywood stars like Vishal and Nassar are demanding an apology, calling the remarks disrespectful to MGR’s legacy as an actor and former chief minister.
The controversial speech
Rajendra Prasad spoke at the Kalaprapurna Kantha Rao National Award-2025 ceremony in Hyderabad. He lauded Kantha Rao’s folk films, saying his sword fights and acting scared even Tamil superstar MGR. Prasad implied MGR would “wet his pants” seeing Kantha Rao, as per viral clips.
The remarks went viral on social media, angering Tamil Nadu fans who revere MGR as a god-like figure. Netizens slammed Prasad, a Padma Shri awardee, for using vulgar language publicly.
Kollywood’s strong reactions
Actor Vishal took to X (formerly Twitter), expressing shock. “Dear sir, with utmost regards and at the same time with a heavy heart, I pen down this tweet condemning your speech about our late legendary actor, the one and only MGR,” Vishal wrote. He called praising Kantha Rao a “lovely gesture” but said belittling MGR hurt sentiments. Vishal urged Prasad to apologise, adding, “I, as an actor, would do the same if someone spoke ill about an actor of your stature.”
Shocking and repelling to see and hear the recent comments of senior actor Shri Rajendra Prasad, senior actor of our Telugu film industry at a recent function.
Dear Sir, with utmost regards and at the same time with a heavy heart, I pen down this tweet condemning your speech…
— Vishal (@VishalKOfficial) March 12, 2026
Nassar released a video statement, hurt by the comparison. “I saw the video of you praising the craft of Kantha Rao, sir. It is amazing to see an actor praising another actor. But I was hurt when you said something in comparison to the great actor, MGR sir,” Nassar said. He noted it offends not just Tamilians but the whole industry.
Calls for apology grow
Nadigar Sangam has demanded that Prasad apologise for insulting MGR while praising Kantha Rao. Kollywood sees this as crossing lines, especially given Prasad’s recent controversies.
In a TV interview, Prasad said whatever he speaks turns controversial and vowed to control his tongue henceforth. The row highlights South cinema’s unity and respect for icons like MGR. Fans await Prasad’s response amid ongoing outrage.