The Controversial Remarks
During the event, Rana Daggubati humorously praised Teja Sajja, saying, “He’s still the same, away from controversies, very soft-spoken, the heartthrob of millions, the lover boy, the action star, the one and only…” Just as Teja seemed flattered but slightly embarrassed by the compliments, Rana jokingly added, “I’m talking about Mahesh Babu.”Rana continued to draw comparisons between Mahesh and Teja, stating that both had similar journeys as child actors. He remarked, “He’s a superstar; you’re a superhero. Both of you came on Sankranthi,” referring to their films releasing during the same festive period. Teja quickly asked Rana to stop discussing the “Sankranthi matter,” to which Rana playfully responded, “Why, is it a sensitive topic?”
Fan Reactions
While the intention behind their remarks was likely humorous, many fans of Mahesh Babu took offense. Social media was flooded with comments demanding an apology from Teja Sajja for what they perceived as disrespectful jokes about their beloved star. One fan expressed frustration on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“You had one success and you’re making fun of a man who’s been working for 25 years. Unless you come up with a sequel for HanuMan, you can’t match Mahesh’s collections.”
Another fan urged Teja to apologize directly to Mahesh Babu and his fans:
“Dear @tejasajja123, need an apology to superstar @urstrulyMahesh garu and his fans. You and Rana degraded comments about 2024 Sankranthi films.”
Despite the backlash, some users defended the actors, suggesting that such banter is common at award shows and should not be taken too seriously. One user humorously compared the situation to a scene from Mathu Vadalara 2, where fans overreact during an event.
The Sankranthi Clash
This year’s Sankranthi festival is set to be competitive at the box office with four major films: HanuMan, Guntur Kaaram, Venkatesh’s Saindhav, and Nagarjuna’s Naa Saami Ranga. While many anticipated that Mahesh Babu’s film would dominate due to his star power, it was Teja Sajja’s HanuMan that emerged as a surprise hit, grossing approximately ₹295 crores worldwide.
Conclusion
The playful banter between Rana Daggubati and Teja Sajja has highlighted the passionate fandom surrounding Mahesh Babu. While humor is often a part of public appearances in the film industry, it can sometimes lead to misunderstandings among fans. As both actors continue to navigate their careers in Tollywood, it remains essential for them to consider how their words may resonate with dedicated audiences.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of individual analysts and do not represent the views of any financial institution or its management. Fans are encouraged to engage in discussions respectfully while appreciating the entertainment industry’s light-hearted moments.
