📌 Key Points
- Pawan Kalyan event ROCKED: Anti-caste Parthiban boasts his caste!
- Netizens ERUPT: “Naidu boy” boast sparks fury from Chennai to Hyd!
- Dravidian idealist’s past COLLIDES with caste pride, sparks debate.
- Parthiban quickly BENDS, apologizes: “Mistake, no hurtful intent!”
Renowned actor-director R. Parthiban is once again making headlines, this time for controversial caste remarks at a Pawan Kalyan film event. Known for his often-tered comments, which recently sparked debate regarding Trisha, Parthiban’s latest statements quickly drew widespread criticism from fans and the industry. He has since issued an apology, but the controversy surrounding the incident continues to ripple across social media.
Controversial ‘Naidu Boy’ Intro
R. Parthiban’s Caste Remarks: Event Sparks Controversy, Actor Apologizes! Renowned actor and director R. Parthiban has once again found himself embroiled in controversy, this time after making remarks about caste at a Pawan Kalyan film event. The incident quickly led to widespread criticism, prompting him to issue an immediate apology. Parthiban, who has lately been consistently in the headlines – most recently for unexpected comments about Kollywood star heroine Trisha – ignited a fresh controversy by speaking about caste.
The pre-release event for the film ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh,’ starring Pawan Kalyan as the hero, alongside Sree Leela and Raashi Khanna, and directed by Harish Shankar, was grandly held in Hyderabad. Parthiban, who plays the antagonist in the film, was present. ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ marks the second collaboration between Pawan Kalyan and Harish Shankar, following their significant box office success with ‘Gabbar Singh.’ Produced under the Mythri Movie Makers banner, the film is set to release on March 19th.
It was Parthiban’s speech at this event that sparked the uproar. When called to the stage, he began his address by saying, “First, a small introduction about myself. I am Parthiban… Radhakrishnan Parthiban… I am a Naidu boy… Yes, a Naidu boy… But having been born and raised in Chennai, I don’t know Telugu. Tamil is my native language. However, the next time we meet, at the success celebration of this film, I will speak in Telugu. This Moorthy assures you… Moorthy is my real name.”
Anti-Caste Advocate Offers Swift Apology
His self-introduction as a “Naidu boy” immediately drew heavy criticism from netizens on social media. The criticism was particularly sharp because Parthiban has a public history of delivering anti-caste speeches and advocating for Dravidian ideology in Tamil Nadu. Netizens questioned how someone known for such sentiments could boast about their caste as soon as they crossed the state border. An X user further amplified the criticism by reminding everyone of a past instance where Parthiban spoke against caste on a stage in Tamil Nadu, with some reports even suggesting he had spoken disrespectfully about Tamil Nadu during that controversial speech.
As these reports gained traction, Parthiban promptly responded. Announcing his apology on social media, he stated, “Criticism is coming regarding my mention of caste. I have made many films against the caste system. Why would I, someone like that, want to speak disparagingly about a caste? In my career of so many years, this is the first time I have mentioned caste in this manner. I am someone who rectifies my mistakes immediately. Crucially, I did not utter those words with the intention of hurting anyone’s feelings. I apologize for that word that slipped out mistakenly.” He further clarified his stance in a social media post: “Good morning friends. P.S. I am someone who wishes to correct not just spelling mistakes, but all errors immediately. Therefore, I have corrected and re-posted. Parthiban responds… Apologies. I sincerely state that without any ulterior motive, without any profit motive, for opportunity or convenience, those two…” (via @rparthiepan, March 17, 2026).
Parthiban’s quick apology amidst the social media backlash surprised many and appears to have brought some closure to the matter. However, this incident served as a stark reminder of his past speeches and the expectations associated with his public persona. This matter is currently going viral on social media.
Looking Ahead
While Parthiban’s swift apology offered some closure, this incident serves as a potent reminder for public figures across the South: past rhetoric echoes louder than ever in the age of social media. Maintaining a truly progressive and inclusive public persona now demands utmost vigilance and accountability.
