Telugu star Nani recently weighed in on Salman Khan’s controversial comment suggesting that South Indian audiences don’t engage much with Bollywood cinema. Known for his straightforward nature and firm opinions, Nani didn’t hold back in his response, subtly questioning the logic behind the claim.
In a recent interaction, Salman had implied that South viewers largely prefer regional films over Hindi cinema. The remark sparked debate across the film industries, with several voices from the South offering counterpoints—and Nani was among the most notable to speak up.
Reacting to Salman’s statement, Nani responded with a pointed remark: “Kaise superstar ban gaye phir?” (“Then how did he become a superstar?”). His rhetorical question seemed to challenge the very basis of Salman’s argument, hinting that the actor’s nationwide stardom—especially in Southern states—wouldn’t have been possible if Bollywood truly had no reach there.
Nani went on to express that cinema, regardless of language, is being embraced more universally today than ever before. “Audiences have evolved,” he said. “They are watching content across languages—whether it’s Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, or Kannada. The borders are dissolving, and stories matter more than language.”
The actor also emphasized that with the rise of digital platforms and pan-India releases, viewers now have greater access to all kinds of films, making regional vs. Bollywood distinctions increasingly outdated.
As South Indian films continue to gain massive traction across the country—and globally—stars like Nani are emerging as pan-India figures in their own right. His statement not only challenges outdated narratives but also reinforces the growing interconnectedness of the Indian film industry.
Salman Khan has yet to respond to Nani’s remarks, but the exchange highlights the ongoing dialogue about the evolving dynamics between Bollywood and the Southern film industries.
