Prabhas faces criticism over silence on Nidhhi Agerwal incident
Actor Prabhas has come under scrutiny from netizens and sections of the media following his speech at the pre-release event of The Raja Saab, where he spoke at length but did not make any reference to the recent mobbing incident involving actress Nidhhi Agerwal. The omission has sparked debate online about the responsibility of leading actors to address fan behaviour and publicly support colleagues in moments of crisis.
During the high-profile event, Prabhas addressed the audience on various aspects of the film, thanked his fans for their continued support and spoke about his co-actors and the production team. However, many viewers and social media users noted that he did not utter a single word condemning the incident involving Nidhhi Agerwal, nor did he acknowledge concerns around crowd behaviour at film-related public events.
The actress was reportedly mobbed during a recent appearance, triggering widespread discussion about safety for women in the film industry. Against this backdrop, Prabhas’s silence has been viewed by critics as a missed opportunity to set a precedent. Social media platforms were flooded with comments questioning why a star of his stature did not use the platform to call out inappropriate fan conduct.
Several netizens argued that fans are most effectively influenced by their idols, insisting that only leading actors have the authority to appeal directly to their fan bases. “Heroes should control their fans,” became a recurring refrain in online discussions, reflecting the belief that celebrity endorsement of responsible behaviour can help prevent such incidents.
The issue was also taken up by journalists and commentators, some of whom linked the debate to earlier incidents involving crowd mismanagement. Comparisons were drawn with the stampede at the premiere of Pushpa 2, starring Allu Arjun, which had reignited conversations about fan frenzy, event planning and accountability within the industry. Commentators suggested that repeated incidents point to a systemic problem that requires both stars and organisers to act more decisively.
While some defended Prabhas, arguing that crowd control primarily falls under the responsibility of event organisers and security personnel, others maintained that leading actors cannot entirely distance themselves from the behaviour of their fans, particularly when such behaviour results in harm.
The controversy underscores a growing expectation that major stars go beyond film promotion and actively address issues of safety and accountability. As public scrutiny intensifies, the debate continues over whether silence from influential figures inadvertently enables problematic behaviour, or whether responsibility should be more broadly shared across the industry and authorities.
