Renowned actor Prakash Raj recently took to the social media platform X to celebrate the triumph of the Indian Space Research Organisations (ISRO) Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission.In a tweet shared on his official handle, Raj wrote, “PROUD MOMENT for INDIA and to Humankind… Thank you #ISRO #Chandrayaan3 #VikramLander and to everyone who contributed to make this happen… may this guide us to Explore and Celebrate the mystery of our UNIVERSE… #justasking.”PROUD MOMENT for INDIA and to Humankind.. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿Thank you #ISRO #Chandrayaan3 #VikramLander and to everyone who contributed to make this happen .. may this guide us to Explore and Celebrate the mystery of our UNIVERSE .. #justasking— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) August 23, 2023Prakash Rajs Chandrayaan-3 tweet creates controversy, actor defends jokeThe latest post comes after the Singham actor had previously faced criticism for sharing a jest related to Indias third lunar mission. The actor later clarified that the comment was a popular joke within the state of Kerala.The controversial post featured an image of a man wearing a lungi – a traditional garment – and a vest, pouring tea. Rajs earlier remarks had drawn parallels to the chaiwala term, which had been previously used as a reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modis pre-political life as a tea seller.BREAKING NEWS:- First picture coming from the Moon by #VikramLander Wowww #justasking pic.twitter.com/RNy7zmSp3G— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) August 20, 2023Following a backlash from the online community, Raj sought to provide context behind the photograph, writing, “Hate sees only Hate.. I was referring to a joke of [Neil] Armstrong times… celebrating our Kerala Chaiwala… which Chaiwala did the TROLLS see If you dont get a joke then the joke is on you… GROW UP.”Hate sees only Hate.. i was referring to a joke of #Armstrong times .. celebrating our kerala Chaiwala .. which Chaiwala did the TROLLS see .. if you dont get a joke then the joke is on you .. GROW UP #justasking https://t.co/NFHkqJy532— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) August 21, 2023The actor further shared a blog post elaborating on the tea seller reference, writing, “ATTENTION:-dear #Unacedemy trolls and #godimedia who know only one #Chaiwala… proudly presenting… the ever inspiring our own Malayali chaiwala since 1960s… if you want to be educated please read.”ATTENTION:-dear #Unacedemy trolls and #godimedia who know only one #Chaiwala .. proudly presenting .. the ever inspiring our own malayali chaiwala since 1960 s ..if you want to be educated please read #justasking https://t.co/KGOnSIBmjq— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) August 22, 2023Supporters of the actor highlighted the humour and history behind the joke. They highlighted its origin as a playful reference to Keralites being found across the world, sharing the popular joke of how Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, upon landing on the moon, encountered a fictional Malayali tea seller.However, the controversy escalated further, resulting in a police complaint being filed against Prakash Raj for his Chandrayaan-3 tweet. Hindu organisation leaders in Karnatakas Bagalkote district took issue with the post, leading to a legal complaint against the actor.
