Shah Rukh Khan's 'Idli Vada' joke backfires, reignites criticism of South Indian stereotypes

• Shah Rukh Khan's joke at the Ambani bash, calling Ram Charan "Idli Ram Charan," has sparked controversy
• Criticism has resurfaced regarding the Hindi film industry's portrayal of South Indian stereotypes
• Despite collaborations with South Indian talents, Khan's actions have faced backlash for perpetuating stereotypes

Shah Rukh Khan's recent jest, calling Telugu film star Ram Charan "Idli Ram Charan" at the Ambani pre-wedding celebrations, has sparked controversy and revived discussions on stereotyping South Indians in Hindi cinema. The incident, where Khan attempted Tamil phrases in reference to Ram Charan, has drawn criticism from South Indian fans, reigniting debates on prejudiced portrayals in the Hindi film industry.

This isn't the first time Shah Rukh Khan has been accused of perpetuating South Indian stereotypes. Instances from his movies like "Ra One" and "Chennai Express" have drawn flak for their portrayal of South Indian characters. Despite Khan's collaborations with South Indian talents and his significant fan base in the region, his repeated instances of reinforcing stereotypes have faced backlash, with fans and industry insiders expressing disappointment over the incident at the Ambani bash.