A remark about late M. G. Ramachandran made by Telugu actor Rajendra Prasad during an awards ceremony in Hyderabad has sparked widespread criticism from members of the Tamil film industry, with veteran actor Nassar publicly calling for an apology.

Rajendra Prasad made the comment at the Kala Prapoorna Kantha Rao National Award 2025 ceremony while praising the box office legacy of veteran Telugu actor Kantha Rao. During his speech, he claimed that even MGR “used to wet his pants” at the sight of Kantha Rao’s popularity and repeated the phrase three times on stage.

A video of the remarks surfaced on social media soon after the event, triggering strong reactions from the Tamil film fraternity.

Among the first to respond was actor-producer Vishal, who took to X to condemn the comment.

“Shocking and repelling to see and hear the recent comments of senior actor Shri Rajendra Prasad, senior actor of our Telugu film industry at a recent function...,” he wrote.

He said that while honouring Kantha Rao was a welcome gesture, making remarks about a towering figure like MGR was unacceptable and had hurt the sentiments of people in Tamil Nadu. Vishal also urged Rajendra Prasad to issue a formal apology.

Actor Nasser later released a video statement expressing disappointment over the remark, saying it had caused him personal hurt. He reminded Rajendra Prasad that MGR was not merely an actor or entertainer but also a respected leader who governed Tamil Nadu for more than a decade. Nasser added that he was speaking as a member of the film fraternity rather than in his official capacity and called for a sincere apology.

MGR, who served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 1977 until his death in 1987, was the founder and first general secretary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Before entering politics, he had a highly successful career in the Tamil film industry as an actor, director and producer, earning immense popularity among the public.

Widely admired for his philanthropic work and mass appeal, he was known by the titles “Makkal Thilagam” (Jewel of the People) and “Puratchi Thalaivar” (Revolutionary Leader). In 1988, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour.