Naresh VK faces backlash for his comments on Sai Dharam Tej accident

Movie Artists Association (MAA) president and actor Naresh VK has stoked controversy for his comments on actor Sai Dharam Tej's accident.

In a video, the veteran actor stated that Tej and his elder son Naveen VK are best friends and the duo have embarked on a bike ride on their respective bikes on Friday. He also explained that his efforts to stop them from going on a ride turned futile since the duo have left by then.

Further, he recalled the tragic accidents of actors Kota Srinivasa Rao's son, Babu Mohan's son and politician Komatireddy Venkata Reddy's son, who succumbed to injuries on various road mishaps.

His comments have evoked strong criticism from industry people and movie buffs alike. Those who have reacted have raised objections over Naresh saying that Naveen and Sai Dharam Tej have started out for bike racing and the other being for taking the reference to the deaths of the sons of the bigwigs, in road accidents.

Actor Srikanth and producer Natti Kumar have urged the celebrities to refrain from posting or making such insensitive comments and have also raised objections over Naresh comparing Tej's accident to other fatal accidents.

Following the backlash, Naresh VK, in a video, gave a clarification and said, "I am praying for the speedy recovery of Sai Dharam Tej. He will come back stronger. Both Naveen and Sai Dharam Tej went together to the opening of a tea shop. While on their way back home, they took separate routes to their destinations. Tej was driving at a speed of 60-70 kmph and was not driving negligently and rashly. He slipped off the mud and the accident was unfortunate."

Meanwhile, Sai Dharam Tej, who is currently being treated at Apollo Hospital, will undergo surgery to treat his collarbone fracture in the next 24 hours. The doctors, in a statement, stated that the actor is responding to the treatment and his condition remains stable.