Don't drag me into politics: Dil Raju gives clarification on his remarks about Telangana culture
Producer Dil Raju sparked a controversy recently, with his remarks about Telangana people at a promotional event for his upcoming production Sankranthiki Vasthunam being held in Nizamabad, where he stated, “When we go to Andhra, people give off a vibe for watching movies. Here, people give that vibe for Toddy and mutton.” On Saturday, Dil Raju released an official video statement, giving clarification on his remarks.
Dil Raju said in the statement, “When I made those comments about Telangana people, I was expressing my love for their Daawat culture and a desire to have the local meal after my films’ release. I apologise if anyone among you were offended by those comments. However, some people misconstrued my remarks and spread controversies on social media.” Further talking about his connection with Telangana culture, Dil Raju stated, “I have made two films set in Telangana — Fidaa and Balagam, both of which gained a lot of accolades across the world for their representation of Telangana society.”
Dil Raju, who was recently appointed as the chairperson of the Telangana Film Development Corporation (TFDC), further said, “I intend to be useful to the film industry and do whatever possible to support the fraternity in a healthy atmosphere. However, I request politicians and political parties to not drag me into politics. Even as a TFDC chairman, I plan to focus my energies on activities which are useful for the industry. Neither me nor TFDC is part of any political developments.”
On Thursday, MLC Desapati Srinivas had slammed the producer for his remarks, saying, “If Dil Raju believes that there is no vibe for films in Telangana, he can stop making movies and open a toddy and mutton shop so that he will get a vibe in the state.”
Dil Raju’s latest production Sankranthiki Vasthunam, starring Venkatesh, Meenaakshi Chaudhary and Aishwarya Rajesh, will hit theatres on January 14.