Veteran Telugu actor Rajendra Prasad, celebrated for his comedic brilliance and contributions to Indian cinema over four decades, is once again under the spotlight. A string of controversial appearances at public events has sparked concern among fans and industry observers, with some questioning whether the senior actor has been attending functions under the influence of alcohol.
The latest incident occurred at a public gathering where Rajendra Prasad where the actor referred to fellow comedian and actor Ali using an expletive—“lan**ko***u”—during a casual exchange. Though some dismissed the remark as friendly banter taken out of context, others felt it crossed a line, especially coming from a senior figure in the industry.
This follows an earlier episode where he made an offhand remark about Australian cricketer David Warner, seemingly mocking the star’s connection to Telugu cinema and his fondness for dancing to Telugu songs. The comment, perceived by many as disrespectful, went viral on social media and triggered backlash from cricket fans and general audiences alike.
Rajendra Prasad also drew attention in the past at an event for one of actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s films, where his behavior was described by attendees as “unusually loud” and “disruptive.” Eyewitnesses claim he dominated the stage and interrupted proceedings, prompting whispers about whether he had consumed alcohol prior to the event.
While the actor has not responded to these speculations, the pattern of erratic behavior has raised eyebrows and led to conversations within the industry about accountability and professionalism, especially among respected senior artists.
The Telugu film fraternity has so far refrained from issuing public statements, but insiders suggest that there may be private conversations taking place to address the situation with sensitivity and respect.