Chennai, March 12 – The President of the South Indian Artistes' Association, Nasser, urged Telugu actor Rajendra Prasad to offer a heartfelt apology on Thursday for a derogatory comment he recently made about the iconic Tamil actor and late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M G Ramachandran (MGR).
During his speech at an event, Rajendra Prasad praised veteran Telugu actor Kanta Rao. While highlighting Kanta Rao's significance, he made a comment that was disrespectful towards the legendary Tamil actor and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, MGR.
Nasser's appeal, conveyed through a short video clip, came shortly after actor Vishal strongly condemned the Telugu actor's remarks about the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.
In a video message to Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Nasser said, "My dear friend and colleague, I just saw a video where you were praising the talent of the great actor, Kanta Rao. It's wonderful. When an actor praises another actor, and respects another actor's craft, it's a wonderful thing."
Nasser said that he was hurt when Rajendra Prasad said something "in comparison to the great actor, MGR."
"Every Tamilian will be hurt. Not only Tamilians, but some of your colleagues have also sent audio tapes expressing their hurt. We, in the sense of the Telugu and Tamil film industries, have a long tradition of exchanging our talents," Nasser said, pointing out that great directors, actors, musicians, cameramen, and writers from one industry have worked in the other.
Nasser continued, "MGR was not only an actor, but also a great leader. He ruled us for over a decade. He was a very important advisor when the great NTR started a political party. We love and respect him, politically. I don't want to elaborate on this. You know what has happened, my dear friend. But please, I am speaking as a member of the South Indian Actors' Association, and not as its President. I am requesting you to offer an apology from your heart. I believe you will justify it. Thank you, Dr. Rajendra Prasad."
