The stereotyping among North Indians towards South Indians is a present and regrettable aspect of our society. People from south Indian states are often addressed as “Madrasis”, “Idli” and “Vada” by people hailing from northern states. This is what racism looks like in our country which completely disregards the rich cultural tapestry, educational achievements, and economic contributions of southern states.
Recently, during Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding festivities, Shahrukh Khan addressed actor Ram Charan as “Idli Vada”, which many people thought was terribly disrespectful. It was when the song ‘Naatu Naatu’ was playing on the stage and SRK was calling Ram Charan to show them the steps of the Oscar-winning song, which he was a part of in the film ‘RRR’. Here’s a video capturing the incident:
"Bhend Idli Ram Charan"
Shahrukh Khan mocking Ram Charan by calling him Bhend Idli.
If stereotyping is acceptable. should not Ram Charan call him a terrorist? pic.twitter.com/GRXsg3Kljv
— Facts (@BefittingFacts) March 5, 2024
According to India Today, Ram Charan and his wife Upasana’s makeup artist Zeba Hassan took to Instagram to share the video and slammed Shahrukh Khan for his remarks. Calling it “disrespectful”, she claimed that she walked out after this remark.
“‘Bhend idly vada Ram Charan kahan hai tu?’ I walked out after this. So disrespectful towards a star like Ram Charan,” she wrote.
Have a look at her Instagram Story here:
Several others criticized Shahrukh Khan and accused him of stereotyping South Indians and called his words “racist”. Have a look:
As an South Indian I feel very anguished on SRK for calling Ram Charan Sir by racist way.
Imagine Ram Charan taking the Mike and calling SRK as terrorist?? pic.twitter.com/LoaNBT5EYl
— Sunny (@being_sunny1) March 5, 2024
SRK called Ram Charan Idli Vada.
This is totally disrespecting his South Indian roots.
But not one Bwood alleged celeb or LeLi outraged on this comment.
Now imagine if Ram Charan had said "SRK…..security ne tuje nanga toh nai kiya na jaise US mai karte hai"!!
— 🦋Anjna🦋🇮🇳 (Modi Ka Parivar) (@SaffronQueen_) March 5, 2024
Idli is not funny, same as Vada Pav or Vimal.
Stereotypical Racism disguised as fun and camaraderie is not welcome.#AnantRadhikaPreWedding pic.twitter.com/nubsz7G0Ig
— AndhraBoxOffice.Com (@AndhraBoxOffice) March 5, 2024
Calling a South Indian ‘idli vada’ can never be funny. Even if in the context of a movie dialogue, it is unacceptable. The fact that SRK is endorsing such stereotypes sets such a bad example 🤷🏻♀️ https://t.co/fclDBilUhc
— Akshita Nandagopal (@Akshita_N) March 5, 2024
Typical way a north Indian treats a south indian: madras word still lingers on even if a person is not from TN..They look down upon south Indians wrt colour and our religious ways.
— Ravi Shankar (@RaviShank06) March 5, 2024
Totally agree.
It’s a subtle but clear racist behaviour— Redsun-1947(Modi Ka Parivar) (@Redsun_1947) March 5, 2024
Further more , it hurts even more when it comes from someone like SRK who is looked up to by millions as an icon. Shame !!
— C Vikram Simhan (@vikramc16) March 5, 2024
Yes if you have any doubts with this try calling a north Indian a ‘Vada pav’
— Aaron (@OnePiece_57) March 5, 2024
SRK is always a bad example ! Ram Charan should’ve rebuked him right there at the stage. Would’ve sent a strong message to SRK & his kind !!
— Amarendra 🇮🇳🇮🇱 (@asb401) March 5, 2024
What are your views on this incident?