Cinema VinesDuring a press event in Bangalore on 19 September 2026, actor Nani was promoting his latest film, “The Paradise,” when a controversy erupted over his remarks about the traditional hairstyle known as “jadalu.” The audience member who sparked the backlash was a woman who challenged Nani’s comments, pointing out that he had never worn the style himself and had instead used a wig for the role.
When asked about the authenticity of the jadalu in the movie, Nani suggested that women could look good wearing the braids and encouraged them to try it. The woman in the crowd immediately responded, “When you yourself haven’t worn the ‘jadalu’ for real, and wore a wig, how come you’re advising us to wear the braids for real?” Her retort shocked the auditorium, but Nani replied that he would fake it as an actor, whereas women could choose to wear it genuinely, just as they would cry on screen.
The comment sparked laughter from the audience, but the woman continued to criticize the actor, saying in Kannada that “It’s tough and hard to wear braids, nose rings, piercings and other stuff like that every day as a woman.” Nani apologized and explained that he could not wear the jadalu for 1.5 years, while women often wear it for their entire lives, expressing empathy for their experience.
Despite his apology, the incident left Nani in a difficult position, as the audience’s demand for authenticity and respect for traditional practices grew louder. The press meet, intended to promote “The Paradise,” was marred by the debate over cultural representation and the responsibilities of actors in portraying indigenous customs.
