Shah Rukh Khan is receiving criticism for what seems to be a perceived “disrespect” towards Ram Charan during the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Jamnagar. The incident occurred during a performance by the three Khans – SRK, Salman, and Aamir – on the song Naatu Naatu, which originally featured Ram Charan alongside NT Rama Rao Jr.
Throughout the performance, the Bollywood actor repeatedly searched for Ram Charan, calling out, “Where are you, Ram Charan?” It appeared that he wished for the RRR star to join the three Khans in their on-stage presentation.
In a playful moment, SRK began speaking in a nonsensical version of Telugu, incorporating the word “idli.” While not everyone found it impressive, some accused SRK of engaging in behavior perceived as racist.
“One user on X (formerly Twitter) expressed, ‘Shahrukh Khan is being racist to South Indians by referring to ‘Ram Charan idli’ after a South Indian director gave him the biggest hit of his career,’ in reference to Atlee, who directed Jawan.
Another individual remarked, ‘When the ego of an actor like Shahrukh shoots up above his head, this is expected. His average acting was just hyped by some of his fans. I am not a big fan of him.’
Tensions escalated when Ram Charan’s makeup artist, Zeba Hassan Zaidi, entered the conversation. According to a screenshot of her Instagram Story circulating on social media, she decided to leave the celebrations following the incident.”
“I walked out after this, ‘Bhend idly vada Ram charan kahan hai tu’? So disrespectful towards a star like @alwaysramcharan,” she reportedly wrote in her Instagram Story. The Story is currently unavailable, and it remains unclear if she has deleted it. However, her comment on a video shared on Instagram is still present.
“I’m a huge srk fan but I really disliked the way he called ram charan on stage,” she wrote.
Zeba also wrote a detailed post on her Instagram Story.
“Coming from the industry it’s so saddening to say that all the South Indian stars, artists etc are not really appreciated or given the respect that we all deserve,” she wrote.
Zeba, however, is being trolled for her comment on SRK. Some are accusing her of looking for “cheap publicity”.
Shah Rukh Khan receives backing
Not everyone perceived SRK’s gesture as “disrespectful.” “Is calling someone ‘idli’ racist? If you label a Delhiite as a ‘bhatura’ or ‘lassi,’ would they be offended? We South Indians cherish idli, and sambar runs in our veins,” expressed one user.
“People here judging Shah Rukh Khan for no reason… Grow up and let the humor live,” remarked another.
It was not disrespectful… Shah Rukh Khan ko Telugu nahi aati hai… tho usko Telugu ka Jo b pata tha vo as an introduction use Kara hai (Shah Rukh Khan doesn’t know Telugu, so he said whatever Telugu he knows)…. Don’t create unnecessary mess and hate,” added another voice.
Some individuals pointed out that it was a dialogue from the 2001 movie One 2 Ka 4, starring Shah Rukh Khan, which Khan used to address his “good old friend” Ram Charan.
Ram Charan joins the Khans Ram Charan, on the other hand, promptly joined the Khans on stage and performed to the song with them.”
