Shah Rukh Khan has recently become embroiled in controversy due to a comment he made regarding RRR actor Ram Charan during the initial day of Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding festivities. This incident took place as Khan was dancing alongside Salman Khan and Aamir Khan at the event.
The pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant were marked by grandeur, attracting global figures such as pop sensation Rihanna, prominent business figures, and heads of state from various nations. Among the attendees were cinematic legends like Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
The three-day event, which occurred four months before the actual wedding ceremony, witnessed moments that surpassed even the grandeur of cinematic narratives. Notably, the highlight was a joint dance performance by the three Bollywood Khans—Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir.
Despite the presence of numerous luminaries, Shah Rukh Khan remained the focal point of attention. He also assumed the role of host during Saturday’s sangeet night, charming the audience as he danced with his wife, Gauri Khan, to the tune of “Main Yahaan Hoon” from the film Veer-Zaara (2004).
However, two days following the conclusion of the event, Shah Rukh Khan became embroiled in controversy due to a remark he made about RRR actor Ram Charan during the initial ceremony while dancing with Salman and Aamir. Criticisms have since emerged, with some alleging racial undertones in Khan’s comment. Ram Charan’s makeup artist, Zeba Hassan, took to Instagram to express her disappointment with Shah Rukh Khan’s remarks.
The incident occurred as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman, and Aamir attempted to master the hook step of the song “Naatu Naatu” on stage but encountered difficulties. Seeking assistance, Khan called out to Ram Charan, who appeared in the original song alongside NTR Jr. in the film RRR. However, Khan’s choice of words, “Bhend idly vada Ram charan kahan hai tu???” sparked controversy.
Sharing the video on her Instagram stories, Zeba Hassan expressed her dismay, stating, “I walked out after this. So disrespectful towards a star like @alwaysramcharan.”
Hassan further elaborated in a statement on Instagram, claiming that artists from South India are often undervalued and lack proper recognition. She highlighted disparities in pay, alleging that South Indian artists are often paid less compared to their counterparts from Delhi or Mumbai.
