Actor Prakash Raj has responded to the reaction on his social media post about India’s Chandrayaan-3 moon project.
“Hate sees only hate,” he clarified, referring to an old joke. The actor explained that his previous tweet was in reference to an old joke about Neil Armstrong, the American astronaut who became the first person to walk on the Moon in 1969.
“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 don’t get a joke then the joke is on you.. Grow up #justasking(sic),” Mr Raj posted.
Mr Raj had already published a cartoon of a man pouring tea on Sunday. “Latest news: First view just arrived from the Chandrayaan #VikramLander #justasking,” he captioned the cartoon in Kannada.
Several social media users interpreted the post on X, formerly known as Twitter, as a sarcastic and disrespectful jab at the Chandrayaan-3 expedition. Users called the message rude and disparaging, urging him to show respect for the scientists behind India’s historic Moon expedition.
“Chandrayaan-3 is something the whole of India must be proud of, irrespective of political ideology. Know the boundary between political vs national trolling,” wrote one user.
“There is a difference between hating someone and hating your country. So sad to see this state of yours!” wrote another. However, a few commenters supported the 58-year-old, claiming it was only a joke aimed at the people of Kerala.