"He tries to insult everyone."
Shah Rukh Khan is facing flak for reportedly addressing Ram Charan as an “idli waala sambar”.
The occasion was at the pre-wedding event of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant.
The bash saw several celebrities – Indian and global – celebrate with the Ambani family.
On the second day of the event, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and SRK grooved to ‘Naatu Naatu’ on stage.
During the performance, SRK invited RRR star Ram Charan to join him onstage.
The Pathaan star apparently called out: “Where are you, Ram Charan?”
In a joking manner, Shah Rukh began speaking in gibberish Telugu and allegedly called Charan an “idli” – an Indian rice cake.
The Bollywood superstar has found himself on the receiving end of criticism for this comment.
Charan’s make-up artist Zeba Hassan commented:
“I’m a huge SRK fan, but I really disliked the way he called Ram Charan onstage.”
Fans took to X to share similar distaste for Shah Rukh Khan’s comment.
One fan wrote: “The same ‘idli waala sambar’ region director gave him a half-decent film – Jawan, which was his only watchable film in the last 15 years.”
Another user said: “Shah Rukh Khan is being insensitive by referring to Ram Charan as ‘idli’, which could be perceived as a racial stereotype against South Indians.
“SHAME ON YOU.”
Shahrukh Khan is being insensitive by referring to Ram Charan as "idli," which could be perceived as a racial stereotype against South Indians. SHAME ON YOU @iamsrk#RamCharan pic.twitter.com/kUFRd6fTUj
— YoungTiger | Fan Account | (@Sallu_Stann) March 4, 2024
A third social media user opined that such behaviour was to be expected from SRK as they referenced his apparent attitude during the 1990s.
The viewer said: “To be very honest, none of his colleagues liked him in 90s, be it any Khan, Kumar or Devgn because of his arrogance.
“This man behaves so rude once he gives 2-3 hits at the box office.
“This is not new from him. He tries to insult everyone. He behaves so pathetically sometimes.”
On the other hand, some agreed that the comment was made in jest and that SRK’s joke was similar to dialogues from One 2 Ka 4 (2001).
The Box Office Figures X account defended Shah Rukh and highlighted the respect he has towards the Telegu superstar.
The statement read: “Shah Rukh Khan used a line from his film One 2 Ka 4 to call Ram Charan, which he had previously used at a South Indian award function.
“Despite being elder, he even tried touching Ram Charan’s feet, showcasing his humility and respect.
“The video is being circulated to spread unnecessary hatred.”
“It is shameful to see paid negativity trying to tarnish the reputation of a legend like Shah Rukh Khan, who has only made India proud worldwide.
“Shah Rukh Khan considers Ram Charan a friend and holds him in high regard.
“He congratulated Ram Charan as the ‘Mega Power Star’ for the Oscar win of the movie RRR.
Meanwhile, the party for Ambani and Merchant featured guests including other actors such as Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Deepika Padukone.
Music legend Rihanna also performed at the festivities.
Ram Charan is yet to comment on the controversy.
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