In a shocking turn of events, Bahubali’s Kattappa-fame actor Sathyaraj stirred a hornet’s nest with his recent comments mocking migrant workers from Northern states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Speaking at an event in Trichy, the renowned actor suggested that these workers “should be taught what is self-respect” and that it was essential to educate them on the “principles of the Dravidian model and ideology.”
Kattappa Supports for Udhayanidhi Stalin’s ‘Eradicate Sanatan’
Sathyaraj’s controversial stance is not a new phenomenon. Earlier, he publicly supported Udhayanidhi Stalin for his inflammatory ‘Eradicate Sanatan’ comment. The actor’s alignment with the Dravidian model and his open criticism of traditional beliefs placed him at the center of heated debates.
Comparing Migrants to U.S. Immigrants
The actor drew an unexpected parallel between migrants settling in Tamil Nadu and those migrating to countries like the US and the UK. He claimed that migrant workers from Northern India, much like international immigrants, see Tamil Nadu as a preferred destination due to the hardships they face in their home states. “Why do northern state workers come here? They come here because it is not good there right?” he remarked.
A Call for Dravidian Enlightenment
Sathyaraj advocated for educational sessions to enlighten migrant workers about the Dravidian model. He emphasized the need to impart knowledge about self-respect, rational thinking, and women’s liberation. According to him, understanding these principles could potentially lead to significant political changes in regions like Uttar Pradesh.
Dravidian Ideology
The actor passionately argued that since migrant workers are unlikely to leave Tamil Nadu, they must integrate into the Dravidian ideological framework. He asserted that even if these workers do not speak Tamil, they would learn it over generations, and it was crucial to teach them about self-respect and rational thinking in their native languages.
Kattappa Advocates for Dravidian Ideals in Cinema
Sathyaraj’s dedication to promoting Dravidian ideology is evident not only in his speeches but also in his film career. He frequently appeared in films that cast Brahmins in a negative light while portraying Dravidian ideology positively. His portrayal of EV Ramasamy, known as Periyar, in a biopic underscores his commitment to these ideals. Periyar, a revered figure in the Dravidian movement, known for his anti-Hindu activism.
Defending Udhayanidhi Stalin
When Udhayanidhi Stalin faced massive backlash for his comments against Sanatan Dharma, likening it to diseases, Sathyaraj stood by him. Praising Stalin’s courage, Sathyaraj said, “Minister Udayanidhi Stalin has spoken clearly about Sanathanam. I appreciate the courage of Minister Udayanidhi. His handling of every matter is a matter of pride.”
Future Implications for Kattappa
Sathyaraj’s comments undoubtedly sparked outrage and controversy. His call for integrating Northern migrant workers into the Dravidian ideological fold struck many as patronizing and insensitive. As the debate rages on, the implications of his statements for the social and political landscape in Tamil Nadu and beyond remain to be seen.