Veteran actor Nandamuri Balakrishna courted controversy after a video of him pushing Anjali on the stage during a promotional event went viral. On being pushed, Anjali’s first reaction was recorded as laughing and casually brushing off the incident. However, this didn’t go down well with the netizens and they questioned the actress for her “casual” reaction. While Anjali reacted to the video, Chinmayi Sripaada extended support and explained why she laughed after being pushed.

It is NOT possible to respond according to your spectator: Chinmayi Sripaada

Taking to her X handle, Chinmayi penned a long note defending Anjali and condemned the behaviour of “men in power”. She started her note by writing, “One of the biggest problems I see from people sharing this is the judgment of ‘Look at her laughing. She should have ___ 1. It is NOT possible to respond according to your spectator response as you watch this on your device. “

The singer continued that society itself refuses to hold men in power who misbehave responsible. Especially when they come from money, caste and political power. “Don’t come and tell women what to say and how to behave when you have everything to gain and nothing to lose,” she continued.

Netizens’ reaction to Chinmayi defending Anjali

Soon after she dropped the post, X users flooded the commented section criticising Chinmayi’s stance and indirectly calling women “weak” and “soft”. A user wrote, “Hence they ( women ) prove they are weak and soft and tolerating. Men don't do that ! Unless women act and speak for themselves, social situations won't change.”

The singer replied, “LOL. You don’t do that? Do you mean you have never tolerated a horrible boss for the sake of your job and livelihood? Men have tolerated and decimated entire societies in the name of war.”

Anjali reacts to NBK pushing her onto stage

In response, Anjali addressed the situation on her social media handle, clarifying their relationship. On May 30, she posted a clip from the event showing her enjoying the time with Nandamuri Balakrishna and thanked him for his presence. Her caption read, "I want to thank Balakrishna Garu for gracing the Gangs of Godavari pre-release event with his presence. I would like to express that Balakrishna garu and I have always maintained mutual respect for eachother and We share a great friendship from a long time. It was wonderful to share the stage with him again."

Nandamuri Balakrishna pushes actor Anjali on stage

The video, which has been widely shared and appeared on Reddit, shows Balakrishna pushing Anjali after she seemingly didn't hear him on stage. Despite the push, Anjali laughed off the incident, though her co-star Neha Shetty appeared visibly shocked. The context of Balakrishna's words to Anjali before the push is unclear, but he was later seen giving her a high-five.