I am not writing this to create any divide between Tamil and Telugu film actors' fans. I am writing this as an admirer of Karthi and try to express myself about Pawan Kalyan who criticised Karthi for no valid reason.
Karthi said nothing offensive about the Tirumala Laddu issue. All he expressed was that he didn’t want to comment on it. Karthi and his brother Suriya are known for their humble lives, steering clear of controversies. Their family is highly respected in Tamil Nadu, and both brothers are known to help the needy out of their own pockets. They do their work and maintain a humble nature.
Pawan Kalyan responded aggressively to Karthi, stating that Karthi should either support or stay quiet. To be honest, Karthi didn’t need to apologize to Pawan Kalyan, but he did so publicly.
This is because Karthi lives by the proverb "Thannai arindhavan thaazhndhu pesuvaan" (A person who knows himself will speak humbly).
Now, let me address Pawan Kalyan. He is a film actor and currently holds the position of Deputy Chief Minister. Recently, he has presented himself as the torchbearer of Sanatana Dharma. But does he truly understand what Sanatana Dharma is, or is he just using the term because it sounds appealing? More importantly, is he qualified to speak on Sanatana Dharma?
My Telugu friends forwarded a WhatsApp video to me where Pawan Kalyan was sitting with some Christians and said, "I went to Jerusalem and Bethlehem in Israel. It's a very great religion. Christianity is known for its service. I took baptism. My children are orthodox Christians."
After Pawan Kalyan has said all this and confirmed that he is a baptised Christian, does he have the credibility to portray himself as the savior of Sanatana Dharma?
On the other hand, I read that Pawan Kalyan once mentioned his father was an atheist who used to light his cigarette from the divine lamp kept for the Hindu gods. His brother, Nagababu, even said in a video that the concept of God itself is trash.
This family seems more in sync with the ideologies of athiestic DMK. It’s shocking to see how the BJP is aligned with this baptized Pawan Kalyan in their alliance, considering how completely at odds he seems with their ideologies.
Pawan Kalyan appears to be a confused soul. He claims to have been baptized in Bethlehem, and yet, he also underwent the sacred thread ceremony to become a Brahmin. At one point, he wore a Muslim cap and even ate with Muslims as if he were one of them. While there’s nothing wrong with doing these things out of personal choice, using these identities to mislead people or incite them is wrong.
He’s trying hard to provoke Hindus to protest over the Tirumala Laddu issue, but no one seems to be paying him any attention. The reason is his confused religious background. Everything about him feels like a drama, and he approaches every issue as if it’s a movie scene, so he’s unable to genuinely inspire people. Ultimately, with all these inconsistent actions, he comes across as a clown.
Pawan Kalyan has no real right to present himself as a champion of Sanatana Dharma. At least when Rajinikanth speaks about Sanatana Dharma, people listen because he is deserving of respect. He has traveled to temples and even visited the Himalayas as a true devotee of Sanatana Dharma.
I doubt if Pawan Kalyan gave his hair to Lord Venkateshwara in Tirumala anytime.
Putting that aside, Pawan Kalyan has no moral right to criticize Karthi. As mentioned above, Karthi’s entire family is non-controversial, unlike Pawan Kalyan’s family, which frequently makes the news for the wrong reasons. Someone from a less respected family has no right to criticize someone from a respectable one.
A mere costume change won’t make Pawan Kalyan a warrior for Sanatana Dharma. He needs to realize that first.
Senthil Muralidharan, Chennai
