Indian 2 actor Siddharth clarifies on his statement on actors' social responsibility after debate online

Kamal Haasan and Siddharth star in S Shankar's Indian 2

Known for his strong political opinions, actor Siddharth made news once again during the promotions of Indian 2. He made a comment on ‘actors being socially responsible’ which generated debates online. He was promoting Indian 2 in Hyderabad where he was asked about the drug awareness initiative of Telangana CM, Revanth Reddy. After the online chatter, he posted a video on Instagram where he said he is fully supportive of Revanth Reddy’s drug campaign to protect the youth. A day back, Siddharth was asked by the press if actors inherently are socially responsible. The Indian 2 star gave the example of how Telangana CM Revanth Reddy asked actors to make awareness videos on drug abuse in return for hike in ticket prices of films, and easy permission to shoot outdoors. 

Siddharth said he did a campaign for safe sex 20 years back without any politician asking him to do so. He was quoted as saying, “My name is Siddharth, Telugu people have seen me work for 20 years. I co-operated with the government between 2005 and 2011, held a condom in my hand, and promoted safe sex on billboards in the united Andhra Pradesh.” He said every actor is socially responsible, and campaigns for issues that appeal to their conscience. He further said, “We do things based on our conscience. Whichever chief minister requests us, we do it. No CM has by far told us like we will help you only if you do this.” 

Many assumed that it was a sly dig at the CM of Telangana. Others said that Siddharth should avoid comments that are politically heated as it has adverse effect on a movie. 

Siddharth issues a clarification on his comment

In his Instagram page, he has put a video where the ‘Chithha’ actor says that his remarks were misconstrued and blown out of proportion. He said he made the video to clear all misunderstandings. Siddharth said he is full support of the Telangana Government in its fight against the drug menace. He said society as a whole is responsible for the safety of children. 

Siddharth further said, “Till now, I have involved myself in many socially responsible initiatives. And I will continue to do that. My words in the afternoon only meant that nobody had forced us from the government and that we were doing it out of free will.”