Published Aug 27, 2024 | 4:02 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 27, 2024 | 4:02 PM
Amitabh Bachchan with Prabhas at the pre-release event of 'Kalki 2898 AD'. (X)
Kalki 2898 AD director Nag Ashwin recently shared the mutual admiration between Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan on set. He revealed that Bachchan is a “fanboy” of Prabhas.
Nag Ashwin recalled, “After a shoot, Bachchan sir said to me, ‘Can you believe it’s Baahubali?’ He was so excited about his scenes with Prabhas. If they couldn’t shoot together, he’d be disappointed.”
Amitabh Bachchan also expressed his admiration for Prabhas after watching Salaar: Part 1-Ceasefire. He called Prabhas to say, “I watched it twice, and you were amazing.”
Kalki 2898 AD may have become the year’s biggest Indian grosser, but not everyone was impressed.
Actor Arshad Warsi, in a recent interview, criticised Prabhas’ performance, calling him a “joker,” which sparked backlash from Prabhas’s fans.
Members of the Telugu film industry were notably offended by Arshad’s remarks. In an attempt to defuse the situation, director Nag Ashwin has now addressed Arshad Warsi’s comments.
In response to a netizen who was disparaging Telugu cinema stars in comparison to Arshad Warsi’s past roles, Nag Ashwin, on X, replied: “Who are you? Why so much hate? We’re all in this together… Chill… Can I send you a Bujji toy?”
Bujji, voiced by Keerthy Suresh, is the AI assistant to Prabhas’s character in the film. Ashwin’s light-hearted gesture of offering Bujji toys became his way of defusing tension, even suggesting sending some to Arshad Warsi’s kids, which won over many netizens.
As the controversy escalated, with netizens defending their favourites, Nag Ashwin’s intervention could be seen as a white flag to defuse the situation. Notably, Arshad Warsi remained silent amid the backlash, even disabling comments on his Instagram due to the overwhelming hate he received.
Let’s not go backwards..no more north-south or bolly vs tolly..eyes on the bigger picture.. United Indian Film Industry..Arshad saab should have chosen his words better..but it’s ok..sending buji toys 4 his kids..il work hard so tweets fdfs that prabhas was the best ever in k2💪
— Nag Ashwin (@nagashwin7) August 24, 2024
During a press conference for his forthcoming film Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, actor Nani said Arshad Warsi was receiving “the most publicity” of his life due to his comments about Prabhas.
Nani later admitted, “My choice of words was poor.” He explained that his statement was misconstrued in translation, a common issue on social media. Nani clarified that his reaction stemmed from his love for Prabhas, but after watching the full video of Arshad Warsi’s comments, his perspective changed.
Nani expressed his respect for Arshad Warsi, emphasising the need for actors to be cautious when sharing opinions publicly. He said, “Arshad Warsi ji is a very talented actor, beloved across India for his role in Munna Bhai. While we might critique films and actors privately with friends, as actors, we must be extra careful with our words. In this case, both Arshad and I are victims of this.”
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
