Opinion: Tollywood’s Complete Silence On Naidu’s Arrest

One of the biggest shockers in the recent political history of Telugu states is none other than the arrest of former CM of United AP and independent AP, N Chandrababu Naidu. What is surprising after that incident is the way the Telugu Film Industry’s big celebrities, star heroes, directors and other producers have stayed silent on the happening. Well, there are two sides of the coin if we have to debate about this.

Tollywood observed silence not only during Chandrababu’s arrest now, but even during the arrest and 16-month jail term of YS Jagan as well earlier. However, at that time, Jagan was known as only YSR’s son and that might have led to the silence, many believed. And even during some of the political happenings in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, these celebs are maintaining utter silence, thus distancing from politics big time. However, the other side of the coin says something else.

Coming to Chandrababu, Tollywood shares a different bond with him as the TDP regime always did lots of favors to the Telugu Film Industry in Hyderabad. Many stars benefitted from Naidu’s timely help, and some directors and producers have literally made a name out of the work they have done for TDP and then bounced back in careers. Some actors and actresses who are doing well in other parties now have taken their political baptism and education under Naidu’s wings only. One wonders why such film celebrities are keeping silent now.

Gone are the days when taking a political stand is a simple thing that is not connected to work. Right now, it looks like Telugu actors and the Telugu industry don’t want to have any connection with any political incident or politician in one way or the other, while some are blowing the flutes as they have to impress their political bosses for their own political future.