Hyderabad: Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu once stirred a major debate in 2022 when he claimed that “Bollywood can’t afford me” during the promotions of his film Sarkaru Vaari Paata. The remark, which instantly went viral, sparked discussions across social media on South vs Hindi cinema and the growing influence of Telugu films in the pan-India market.

The statement that sparked a debate

While interacting with the media, Mahesh Babu said, “I may sound arrogant. I did get a lot of offers in Hindi. But I think they can’t afford me. I don’t want to waste my time.” The actor, known for blockbusters like Guntur Kaaram, was making a point about his loyalty to Telugu cinema and his belief in its expanding reach.

Clarification issued later

Following the uproar, Mahesh Babu’s representatives released a statement asserting that his remarks had been “blown out of proportion.” The actor later clarified in another media interaction that he respected all film industries but remained deeply committed to Telugu cinema.

“I have always wanted to do Telugu films. And I have always wished for Telugu movies to do well across the country. I strongly feel, why should we go to another industry by leaving ours behind?” Mahesh stated, highlighting how South Indian films had broken language barriers and gained pan-India recognition.

Fans react to his stance

The actor’s comment divided opinions online. While several fans applauded him for staying true to his roots, some Bollywood enthusiasts criticised the statement, viewing it as a slight against Hindi cinema. However, his clarification helped calm the debate, reaffirming his respect for all film industries while showcasing pride in Telugu cinema’s rising status.

Current projects

On the professional front, Mahesh Babu is currently working with celebrated filmmaker SS Rajamouli on the upcoming adventure thriller, tentatively titled SSMB29. The film is expected to feature Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran in key roles and is anticipated to be a large-scale pan-India release.

Conclusion

Mahesh Babu’s 2022 remark remains one of the most discussed statements from a South Indian actor, symbolising the growing prominence of regional cinema in India’s film landscape.