SS Rajamouli Slammed by Netizens for His Padma Awards 2025 Post Claiming ‘7 Telugu People’ Honored: The announcement of the Padma Awards 2025 has been a momentous occasion for many in India, celebrating the achievements of individuals across various fields. Among the winners were prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including renowned names such as Arijit Singh, Ashok Saraf, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Shobana Chandrakumar, Ajith Kumar, and several others. The prestigious Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Padma Vibhushan awards were conferred upon these luminaries in recognition of their significant contributions to Indian culture, cinema, and more.
However, the announcement of these awards took an unexpected turn when famous director SS Rajamouli shared his thoughts on social media. Rajamouli, known for his global success with films like Baahubali and RRR, congratulated the Padma Award winners, particularly those from the Telugu film industry. While his intentions were to celebrate the achievements of his fellow Telugu people, his post has sparked a massive debate online, with many netizens criticizing his approach.
SS Rajamouli’s Controversial Social Media Post
On January 25, 2025, after the Padma Bhushan awardees were announced, Rajamouli took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share his congratulations. His post read:
“7 Padma Awards for Telugu people this time… Heartiest congratulations to Nandamuri Balakrishna garu on being honored with the Padma Bhushan! Your journey in Indian cinema is truly commendable… Also, congratulations to all the other distinguished Telugu & other Indian Padma awardees…:)”
In his tweet, Rajamouli further congratulated the other winners, including director Shekhar Kapur and actor Ajith Kumar, writing:
“A well-deserved recognition… Heartiest congratulations to @ShekharKapur sir on being awarded the Padma Bhushan. Your incredible contributions to Indian cinema have left a remarkable mark and your work continues to inspire generations.”
He also added:
“Ajith sir, congratulations on being conferred with the Padma Bhushan! The impact you’ve made both on and off the screen is truly inspiring…:)”
While his intention seemed to be celebrating the awards and their significance for the Telugu film industry, it was his reference to “7 Padma Awards for Telugu people” that has caused an uproar online.
Why Did Netizens Take Offense?
Many netizens were quick to point out the divisive nature of his post, particularly the mention of “Telugu people” as separate from “other Indian Padma awardees.” While Rajamouli may have been attempting to highlight the achievement of Telugu cinema, his phrasing inadvertently sparked a backlash from people who felt that his comments set apart Telugu people from the rest of the nation.
The issue stemmed from the implicit notion that Telugu people were being singled out as distinct from the broader Indian identity. Social media users were quick to point out that Indians, regardless of their state or language, should be considered equal and united under the same national identity.
One commenter on Rajamouli’s post expressed their discontent by saying, “Why so distinguishment between Telugu and other Indians? Are Telugu people not part of India???” This comment reflected the sentiment of many users who felt that dividing Indians by region or language was unnecessary and counterproductive.
Another user criticized Rajamouli’s perspective by stating, “North-South is not a political debate, but it’s an ideology that fewer like you follow. Don’t understand why North people support you for your films. People are not having the courage to call themselves Indian.” This comment highlighted the broader discussion around regionalism and the way people often view cultural differences within the country.
One more user echoed similar thoughts by writing, “Kya Telugu and Indian laga rakhe ho? Saab Indian toh hai.” This remark pointed out that Telugu people, like any other regional group in India, are part of the larger Indian identity and should not be seen as distinct or separate.
The Regional Divide and the Role of Social Media
This incident brings to the forefront an ongoing debate about regionalism and linguistic identity in India. While India is a vast and diverse country, home to hundreds of languages and cultures, there have often been discussions about the differences between the various regions. South India, in particular, has historically felt underrepresented in the national discourse, especially in areas like cinema, politics, and culture.
Rajamouli’s post, though well-intentioned, inadvertently touched upon a sensitive issue. While celebrating the success of the Telugu film industry and its representation at the Padma Awards, it came across as creating a division between Telugu people and the rest of the country. This, in turn, led to a backlash from many who felt that regional distinctions should not overshadow the collective Indian identity.
SS Rajamouli’s Influence and Responsibility
As one of India’s most influential filmmakers, SS Rajamouli has a massive following, both in India and globally. His films have crossed borders and have garnered international acclaim, earning him a place as one of the most respected figures in the Indian film industry. Given his stature, Rajamouli holds a significant influence over public perception. Therefore, his comments, even if unintentional, can have a substantial impact on the discourse around unity and division in the country.
Rajamouli’s post also underscores the power and responsibility of celebrities in shaping the national conversation. As public figures, their words and actions are often magnified, and the way they choose to communicate can influence how people perceive cultural, regional, and national issues. In this case, his attempt to highlight the achievements of the Telugu community inadvertently highlighted a divide, triggering an online conversation about unity, identity, and regionalism.
Conclusion: A Moment of Reflection for Celebrities
SS Rajamouli’s Padma Awards 2025 post has certainly sparked a debate that has divided opinions. While some have expressed support for his congratulations to the Telugu awardees, many have criticized him for creating unnecessary distinctions between Telugu people and other Indians. This incident highlights the ongoing sensitivity around regionalism in India and the importance of approaching such topics with care.
As India continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to foster a sense of unity and inclusivity. While celebrating regional cultures and achievements is important, it should be done in a way that promotes a collective Indian identity, rather than reinforcing divisions. Rajamouli, like many other influential public figures, may want to take this as an opportunity to reflect on how his words can shape perceptions and contribute to the ongoing discourse about unity in diversity.