Chennai, March 14 Actor Vishal, who is also the secretary of the South Indian Artistes Association (SIAA), better known as the Nadigar Sangam, has now thanked veteran Telugu actor Rajendra Prasad for understanding the sentiments of the fans of the late actor and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M G Ramachandran, and for seeking an apology for his recent remark about him.
In a video clip that he posted on his social media timelines, Vishal said, "Greetings, Mr. Rajender Prasad. On behalf of the South Indian Artistes Association and the fans of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M G Ramachandran, we would like to thank you. We based a video on what you had said. We were all hurt by your comments. Everyone expressed how hurt they were, and based on that, we made a request to you. It is human to make mistakes, but when you realized your mistake, you apologized. Thank you, sir. It was very kind and thoughtful of you to understand and seek an apology. If anyone were to speak about you like that in the future, we would definitely condemn it."
The actor continued, "We may be of this generation, but several people who worked with the former Chief Minister, such as Saidai Duraisamy, expressed their pain at your comment. However, when you released a video apologizing for that comment, everyone was happy that you had realized your mistake. It was kind of you to understand all our sentiments, and on behalf of everyone – there are so many fans, some even thinking that he (MGR) is still alive – we are thankful."
For those unaware, actor Rajendra Prasad, during his speech at an event in Hyderabad, praised veteran Telugu actor Kanta Rao. While highlighting Kanta Rao's significance, he made a comment that demeaned the legendary Tamil actor and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M G Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR.
His comment stirred a hornet's nest in Tamil Nadu, resulting in several Tamil actors and fans seeking an apology from the Telugu star.
Rajendra Prasad, upon learning that his inadvertent remark had hurt the sentiments of MGR fans, tendered a heartfelt apology.
In a video clip, the veteran Telugu actor apologized in Tamil. He said, "I am Telugu actor Rajendra Prasad. There was a function that happened in our place. They gave me an award named after veteran actor Kanta Rao. When I was speaking in that function in a jovial manner about the God of Tamil cinema, MGR sir, a word slipped out."
Pointing out that his comment was unintentional, the actor stressed that he had great respect for former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M G Ramachandran.
"Would I talk about him in that manner? How could I have the courage to speak like that? When I studied at the Madras Film Institute, he was the Chief Minister. He would visit us to see how we were learning to act. I am nobody to speak about him. However, if the word that slipped out of my mouth has hurt any of you, please forgive me. I assure you that in my life, I will never speak like that again. Please forgive my mistake this time and close the issue," he said.