Ravi Teja slammed for ‘Mudhuru Munda’ remark to child co-star

Telugu actor Ravi Teja is facing widespread criticism for a comment he made to child actor Baby Nakshathra CM at the pre-release event of his film 'Irumudi'. The Times of India and Hindustan Times report that when the young co-star asked him to give her a nickname, the actor responded with the Telugu phrase 'Muduru munda' twice, then said he would explain it later. The News Minute translates the phrase as 'mature widow', while other sources say it is used as a derogatory term for a precocious woman.

Some social media users have called for a ban on the actor. Hindustan Times quotes one user who asked, 'You have a daughter, would you describe her this way?' The News Minute notes that some supporters defend the phrase as colloquial or affectionate in certain Telugu cultural contexts. Ravi Teja has not issued any clarification. The film 'Irumudi', directed by Shiva Nirvana and featuring Priya Bhavani Shankar, is a family drama where Ravi Teja plays an alcoholic father who undertakes an Ayyappa Deeksha. The movie is scheduled for release on August 21.