Nandamuri Balakrishna's real estate remark draws flak

He alleged that the meetings between Telangana Cinematography Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav and several film industry representatives were held to discuss the distribution of lands in Hyderabad
Balakrishna
Balakrishna

Actor and Hindupur legislator Nandamuri Balakrishna has taken umbrage over not being invited for the meetings held recently with Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) and Cinematography Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav. He alleged that the meetings with Talasani were held to discuss real estate business and it had nothing to do with the concerns of the Telugu film industry.

"I was not invited to the meetings (held with KCR and Talasani) and I came to know about these after watching the news. Are these people meeting Talasani to discuss the distribution of lands in Hyderabad? They are doing real estate business. Am I not part of the industry?" quipped Balakrishna.

His comments come days after Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, SS Rajamouli, Trivikram Srinivas and Dil Raju, among other industry big wigs, called on KCR and also convened meetings with Talasani over the resumption of film shootings, reopening of theatres and other production activities.

Balakrishna's comments have drawn sharp criticism from his co-stars and netizens. Chiranjeevi's brother and actor-turned-politician Naga Babu took offense at Balakrishna's remarks and sought an apology from him. “Balakrishna's comments are definitely not in good taste. Especially, his expression to describe the meeting and terming it a real estate business is objectionable. By doing this, he has disrespected the Telangana government and the film industry. He should know his limits and apologise for defaming their efforts,” said Naga Babu in a video message posted on Youtube.  

In his media interaction, Talasani refused to comment on the issue and said, “I am yet to know what he (Balakrishna) said. I will comment only after I get complete information. We met several people who are active in the film industry. I am ready for the dialogue and have no objection to meet anyone representing the Telugu film industry.”

Producer C Kalyan denied that the film industry had split into camps. “We are doing everything as a team. This is not an actors meet. We have requested Chiranjeevi garu to lead from the front. Balakrishna garu is like my brother and he has been informed about these developments. He is not producing a film now and he will join us, if need be. When we set up the Corona Crisis Charity (CCC), he was the first one to donate. There are no camps in the industry. We have no political affiliations either. If Balakrishna garu wants to attend a meeting, who can stop him?" asked Kalyan. 

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