Telangana MLA Proposes Drug Tests for Actors, Sparks Controversy
Debate Ignited by MLA Anirudh Reddy's Proposal
Recently, Anirudh Reddy, a Congress MLA from Telangana, ignited a significant discussion by proposing that prominent actors like Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan, and Balakrishna should be subjected to drug tests every three months, especially prior to their film releases. While many in the film industry opted for silence on the matter, Vishnu Manchu, the president of the Movie Artists Association (MAA), responded strongly to this suggestion.
Vishnu Manchu's Response to the Drug Test Proposal
Vishnu Manchu's Strong Reaction
The actor, known for his role in Kannappa, expressed his thoughts on social media regarding the call for drug tests for actors. He raised an important question: why shouldn't politicians also be subjected to similar scrutiny? Vishnu emphasized that if actors are expected to be accountable, then those running for office should also undergo mandatory drug testing before they can file their nominations. He suggested that voters would appreciate a consistent system that applies to both entertainers and elected officials.
Details of Anirudh Reddy's Suggestion
MLA Anirudh Reddy's Justification
In earlier statements to the media, Anirudh Reddy expressed his belief that drug use in Telangana could decrease if influential figures in the film industry set a positive example. He noted a prevalent public perception linking drug-related issues to the film sector. To combat this, he proposed that actors undergo drug testing every 90 days using drug kits.
Reddy argued that stars like Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan, and Balakrishna wield significant influence over their fans, often surpassing that of politicians. He believes that if these actors demonstrate they are drug-free, it could deter their followers from similar behaviors. He encouraged actors to voluntarily participate in these tests, highlighting that their fans often emulate their actions. Reddy also mentioned that he has undergone drug testing himself and has evidence to back it up. He suggested that actors should be required to submit drug test results before their films can be released, warning that non-compliance could raise suspicions about their drug use.
His remarks have generated varied reactions online, with many questioning why actors are held to stricter standards than elected officials. Some praised Vishnu Manchu's response as courageous, while others called for greater transparency and stricter regulations for politicians.
On the work front, Vishnu Manchu was last seen in the mythological Telugu film Kannappa, which was released in 2025 and featured cameo roles by Akshay Kumar and Prabhas, alongside Mohanlal in a significant part.