Prakash Raj Issues Apology to Siddharth Following Disruption of 'Chithha' Film Event

In a recent turn of events in Bangalore, a planned press conference for the upcoming film 'Chithha,' starring renowned South Indian actor Siddharth, was marred by protests and disruptions. The cause of this turmoil was rooted in the longstanding dispute over the allocation of Cauvery River water between the neighboring states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The disruption prompted actor Prakash Raj to issue an apology to Siddharth, condemning the harassment faced by artists and ordinary citizens alike.

The Cause of the Protest:

BREAKING: #Chiththa actor #Siddharth was FORCED to leave in the middle of a press conference which held at Karnataka. #CauveryIssue | #CauveryWater protestors have suddenly entered the event and asked Siddharth to… pic.twitter.com/6fBcQufuRX

— Manobala Vijayabalan (@ManobalaV) September 28, 2023

The protest that disrupted the planned press conference was fueled by the ongoing disagreement between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the sharing of Cauvery River water. This contentious issue has been a source of tension between the two states for decades. The demonstrators, members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike Swabhimani Sena, saw the event as an opportunity to voice their grievances and demand a resolution to this protracted dispute.

The Disruption:

#ಕಾವೇರಿನಮ್ಮದು .. ಹೌದು .. ನಮ್ಮದೇ.. ಆದರೆ .. ದಶಕಗಳ ಈ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಯನ್ನು ಪರಿಹರಿಸಲಾರದ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಅಸಮರ್ಥ ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಪಕ್ಷಗಳನ್ನು .. ನಾಯಕರನ್ನು ಪ್ರಶ್ನಿಸದೆ.. ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸರ್ಕಾರಕ್ಕೆ ಒತ್ತಡ ತರದ ನಾಲಾಯಕ್ ಸಂಸದರನ್ನು ತರಾಟೆಗೆ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳದೆ.. ಹೀಗೆ ಅಸಹಾಯಕ ಜನಸಾಮಾನ್ಯರನ್ನು.. ಕಲಾವಿದರನ್ನು ಹಿಂಸಿಸುವುದು ತಪ್ಪು ..ಒಬ್ಬ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗನಾಗಿ… https://t.co/O2E2EW6Pd0

— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) September 28, 2023

The disruption occurred on a Thursday in Bangalore when the press conference for the film 'Chithha' was scheduled to take place. Protesters from the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike Swabhimani Sena stormed the venue, interrupting the proceedings and creating chaos. In response to the escalating situation, Siddharth and other actors involved in the film chose to leave the premises to ensure their safety and avoid further confrontation.

Prakash Raj's Apology:

Instead of questioning all the political parties and its leaders for failing to solve this decades old issue.. instead of questioning the useless parliamentarians who are not pressurising the centre to intervene.. Troubling the common man and Artists like this can not be… https://t.co/O2E2EW6Pd0

— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) September 28, 2023

Actor Prakash Raj, a prominent figure in the South Indian film industry, took to social media to address the incident and extend an apology to Siddharth. In a tweet from his former Twitter account, he urged the protesters to redirect their concerns towards elected representatives and government officials responsible for resolving the Cauvery River water issue. He shared a video clip of the disruption along with a heartfelt message, expressing his disappointment with the harassment faced by ordinary citizens and artists.

In his tweet, Prakash Raj stated, "Rather than scrutinizing all political parties and their leaders for their failure to resolve this long-standing issue... instead of questioning those ineffectual MPs who are not exerting pressure on the central government... subjecting ordinary citizens and artists to such harassment is unacceptable... On behalf of Kannadigas... I apologize to Siddharth.

- PTC PUNJABI