Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office of bias against the southern film industry, veteran actor-politician Khushbu and businesswoman Upasana Konidela, who's also actor Ram Charan Teja’s wife, questioned why the south film fraternity were allegedly not invited by the PMO for the recent meeting with film stars at the PM’s official residence.
To mark 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi, Narendra Modi had invited several Bollywood stars on Saturday, and released a video as a tribute to Gandhi. The event was attended by Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Kangana Ranaut, Imtiaz Ali, Ekta Kapoor and several other Bollywood celebrities. The tribute video directed by Rajkumar Hirani, who has been accused of sexual assault, featured Bollywood actors Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Sonam Kapoor, Kangna Ranaut and Vicky Kaushal.
However, both Khushbu and Upasana took strong exception to the alleged absence of southern actors in the event.
Taking to Twitter, Khushbu in a series of tweets wrote, “With all due respect to all those who met our Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji last evening on behalf of Indian cinema, would like to remind the Prime Minister’s office that Hindi films alone do not represent or contribute to the economy of this country. South Indian cinema is the largest contributor.”
She continued, “South Indian cinema represents our country globally. The best of talent comes from south india. The biggest superstars come from south india. India’s best actors belong to south india. Best technicians are South Indian. So why was South industry not invited? Why this inequality?”
With al due respects to all those who met our H’ble PM @narendramodi ji last eve on behalf of Indian cinema, would like to remind @PMOIndia that Hindi films alone do not represent or contribute to the economy of this country. South Indian cinema is the largest contributor.. cont.
— KhushbuSundar master of all trades, jack of non (@khushsundar) October 20, 2019
South Indian cinema represents our country globally. The best of talent comes from south india. The biggest superstars come from south india. India’s best actors belong to south india. Best technicians are South Indian. So why was South industry not invited? Why this inequality?
— KhushbuSundar master of all trades, jack of non (@khushsundar) October 20, 2019
Would really appreciate if my pioneers and peers who have made South Indian cinema a pride of the country, are invited and shown same respect as I feel they rightly deserve it. Expecting @PMOIndia to look into it.
— KhushbuSundar master of all trades, jack of non (@khushsundar) October 20, 2019
She further added, “Would really appreciate if my pioneers and peers who have made South Indian cinema a pride of the country, are invited and shown the same respect as I feel they rightly deserve it.”
Upset over the south industry being allegedly neglected, Upasana Konidela wrote, “We in the South of India, admire you and are proud to have you as the Prime Minister. With all due respect we felt that the representation of leading personalities and cultural icons was limited to Hindi artists and the South film industry was completely neglected. I express my feelings with pain and hope it’s taken in the right spirit.”
Jai Hind @narendramodi ji. pic.twitter.com/11olAv1tsV
— Upasana Konidela (@upasanakonidela) October 19, 2019
For the National Awards as well as the selection of India's official entry for the Academy Awards, the sidelining of south Indian films has been a constant grouse. The PMO has not responded to the tweets.