Rana Daggubati on IIFA controversy: Should start giving disclaimer for my jokes

Rana Daggubati and Teja Sajja addressed the controversy over their jokes about Mahesh Babu at IIFA Utsavam, clarifying that the remarks were scripted and not meant to offend anyone.

In Short

• Rana Daggubati and Teja Sajja sparked controversy with jokes about Mahesh Babu
• Rana clarified jokes were not meant to offend
• Teja explained that award show comments are scripted and edited

Actors Rana Daggubati and Teja Sajja, both well-known figures in Telugu cinema, recently sparked controversy with their jokes about Mahesh Babu at the IIFA Utsavam. During the launch of his talk show, Rana addressed the issue and clarified that the jokes were never meant to offend anyone.

At the trailer launch event for The Rana Daggubati Show, the actor was asked about the controversy that followed his comments at this year’s IIFA Utsavam. Laughing it off, Rana said, "I am getting misunderstood these days. Nani once told me on the show (his talk show, in one of the episodes), 'You should give a disclaimer when you joke because no one gets it.' Maybe I should start doing that—running a scroll whenever I make jokes."

Teja Sajja, who gained immense appreciation for his performance in the film HanuMan and hosted the IIFA Utsavam with Rana, also addressed the controversy at an event. He clarified that whatever the actors say during award shows is scripted.

"A lot of scriptwriters work on something before it comes to us (hosts). Whatever you see is edited; no one would feel bad if they saw the full clips. Rana joked with me too. I've worked with all these heroes since childhood, and I'm close to all of them. I wouldn't even think of demeaning anyone. It's a clear misunderstanding," said Teja.

Earlier this month, a video of Rana and Teja from the IIFA Utsavam emerged on social media. In the video, Rana humorously commented on the Sankranthi clash between Teja's HanuMan and Mahesh Babu's Guntur Kaaram, comparing their film journeys. The comparison of industry legend Mahesh Babu with young hero Teja Sajja, who scored his first superhit film, did not sit well with Babu's fans.