21 August 2023, Mumbai: As India eagerly anticipates the successful landing of the Vikram lander as part of the Chandrayaan 3 mission, acclaimed actor Prakash Raj finds himself embroiled in yet another controversy. The National Award-winning actor incurred criticism for mocking the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) ambitious mission to the Moon. The incident unfolded just ahead of the projected landing date on August 23, eliciting widespread backlash for his derogatory tweet.
Prakash Raj’s Controversial Tweet
On Sunday, Prakash Raj took to Twitter to share a cartoon depicting a man in a vest and lungi pouring tea, which he facetiously referred to as the “first picture coming from the Moon by #VikramLander.” The tweet stirred immediate backlash from netizens who deemed the post insensitive and disrespectful towards the Chandrayaan 3 mission and ISRO’s efforts.
Netizens React to Prakash Raj’s Tweet
The actor’s tweet drew swift condemnation from various quarters. Comedian Appurv Gupta expressed his disappointment, stating, “Sad to see a talented actor behaving like this!” Others voiced similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of separating personal opinions from national achievements. Netizens criticized Prakash Raj for trivializing ISRO’s accomplishments and undermining its reputation as a beacon of excellence in the face of challenges.
An Actor’s Responsibilities
Amid the furor, users reminded Prakash Raj that ISRO’s achievements transcend political affiliations and represent the nation’s collective pride. They highlighted the organization’s remarkable achievements despite limited resources and adversities, contrasting it with the actor’s derogatory comment. Some urged him to refrain from interjecting political bias into discussions involving national achievements.
Fresh Pictures of Vikram Lander
While the controversy unfolded, ISRO continued its steadfast progress with the Chandrayaan 3 mission. The organization released new images of the Vikram lander, revealing the landing site on the Moon. Earlier reports indicated that Chandrayaan 3 underwent its second and final deboosting operation, bringing it closer to its scheduled landing on Wednesday, August 23.
Chandrayaan 3’s Significance
Chandrayaan 3 follows in the footsteps of Chandrayaan-2, which aimed for a soft landing on the Moon in September 2019 but faced challenges in its final stages. The current mission carries the hopes of redemption, aiming to achieve a successful landing and contribute to India’s exploration of the Moon’s mysteries.