Actor Prakash Raj Mocks Ex-ISRO Chief K Sivan Ahead of Chandrayaan-3 Landing, Faces Backlash

Controversial actor-politician Prakash Raj has ignited a fresh wave of criticism through a recent tweet, raising eyebrows for his mocking stance regarding India's forthcoming Chandrayaan-3 mission. The tweet has emerged at a time when the nation is brimming with anticipation for a historic moment, as the countdown for the mission remains in progress.

The tweet featured a cartoon illustration portraying an individual in a lungi, playfully conjuring a tea splash in the air. The accompanying caption read, "First picture coming from the moon by Vikram Lander. Just asking."

While the exact intention behind the image remained unclear, social media quickly erupted with a barrage of criticism against Raj, accusing him of displaying contempt for the ruling BJP and showcasing a perceived anti-India sentiment.

As the nation engages in special prayers and rituals to ensure the secure landing of the Vikram lander on the moon's surface, Prakash Raj took to the platform formerly known as Twitter, now called X, to share a post featuring a caricature of Ex-ISRO Chief K Sivan pouring tea. The caption humorously stated, "BREAKING NEWS: First picture coming from the Moon by #VikramLander. Wowww #justasking."

However, Raj's post has attracted substantial trolling. One user expressed, "Never allow hate to consume you to the point where you start hating your country's progress, achievements, and endeavors. This is a tragic waste of a life."

ISRO, a representation of India's best attributes, achieved remarkable feats despite limited resources and a pessimistic environment. Now, ISRO ranks among the world's finest, attempting what only a few nations have accomplished. In contrast, Prakash Raj's actions represent a darker facet of India, displaying animosity toward the very nation that has bestowed him with much.

Beyond his presence in the showbiz arena, Prakash Raj initiated his political journey with the hashtag #justasking following the assassination of his friend Gauri Lankesh in September 2017. He also contested the 2019 Indian general election as an independent candidate for the Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha constituency; however, his campaign ended in defeat.

Scheduled to touch down on August 23, 2023 (Wednesday) around 18:04 IST, Chandrayaan-3 aims for a successful soft landing on the moon. This achievement would place India as the fourth country worldwide to accomplish such a feat, joining the ranks of the United States, Russia, and China. The mission's lander, named after Vikram Sarabhai (1919-1971), widely hailed as the father of India's space program, commemorates his legacy.

Prakash Raj boasts an array of awards, including five National Film Awards, eight Nandi Awards, eight Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, five Filmfare Awards South, four SIIMA Awards, three CineMAA Awards, and three Vijay Awards.