In a recent incident, actor Prakash Raj’s tweet regarding ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 mission has sparked a significant backlash. The actor attempted to clarify that his post was meant as a lighthearted joke based on an old stereotype about people from Kerala being found everywhere, even on the Moon.
However, his explanation did not prevent accusations from BJP members and supporters, who claimed his tweet insulted ISRO and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This controversy has led to the filing of two police complaints against Prakash Raj.
The situation escalated further as criticism poured in from social media users and political figures in Karnataka, a state where the actor had previously contested and campaigned against the BJP. On Wednesday, the outrage took a more intense turn, with the hashtag #ArrestPrakashRaj trending on Twitter throughout the day.
Memes mocking the actor were widely circulated, and online users expressed their disappointment, highlighting the nation’s collective support for ISRO’s mission contrasted with what they viewed as an “inappropriate” tweet by the versatile actor. This incident sheds light on the power of social media and its ability to amplify controversies in no time.
It also underscores the need for public figures to be cautious about their online statements, as the consequences can be swift and impactful. As the debate continues, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between humour, personal expression, and potential offence in the digital age.