Gangs of Godavari actress Anjali defends Nandamuri Balakrishna amid backlash over viral video
Gangs of Godavari actress Anjali claimed that her respect and friendship with Nandamuri Balakrishna remained intact, suggesting she was not bothered by the incident that caused such a widespread public outcry.
Updated : May 31, 2024 10:44 AM ISTGangs of Godavari actress Anjali claimed that her respect and friendship with Nandamuri Balakrishna remained intact, suggesting she was not bothered by the incident that caused such a widespread public outcry.
Anjali with Nandamuri Balakrishna at the Gangs of Godavari event.
Actress Anjali has posted a note thanking Telugu superstar Nandamuri Balakrishna for gracing the pre-release event of Gangs of Godavari. Her note of appreciation for him comes amid growing social backlash for his behaviour towards her at the event.
Anjali claimed that her respect and friendship with Balakrishna remained intact, suggesting she was not bothered by the incident that caused such a widespread public outcry.
ALSO READ: Viral video of Nandamuri Balakrishna pushing Anjali sparks outrage, Hansal Metha leads protest
"I want to thank Balakrishna Garu for gracing the Gangs of Godavari pre-release event with his presence. I would like to express that Balakrishna Garu and I have always maintained mutual respect for each other and share a great friendship from a long time. It was wonderful to share the stage with him again," she wrote.
I want to thank Balakrishna Garu for gracing the Gangs of Godavari pre-release event with his presence.
— Anjali (@yoursanjali) May 30, 2024
I would like to express that Balakrishna garu and I have always maintained mutual respect for eachother and We share a great friendship from a long time. It was wonderful to… pic.twitter.com/mMOOqGcch2
Nandamuri Balakrishna was the chief guest at the Gangs of Godavari event. During a photo-op moment, Balakrishna shoved her on the shoulders, seemingly irked by Anjali's not complying with his request to move. The incident immediately sparked massive outrage on social media, with several celebrities, such as Hansal Mehta, unequivocally condemning Balakrishna's behaviour towards Anjali.
ALSO READ: Was Nandamuri Balakrishna drunk when he pushed Anjali? Gangs of Godavari makes deny, blame CGI
Speculations were also rife about whether Balakrishna was under the influence of alcohol during the incident. A video circulating on the internet suggested that Balakrishna might have been drinking at the event. However, the makers of Gangs of Godavari rubbished the speculations, claiming that some miscreants edited and circulated the video to cause unwanted suspicions.
"That bottle was added to the video via CG. In reality, there was no bottle," said producer Naga Vamsi at a recent press meet.
While the cast and crew of Gangs of Godavari have tried to downplay the incident, it has sparked debates about the treatment of women on and off-screen in the film industry. Balakrishna has not yet reacted to the controversy.