Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Apr 2: Actor Prakash Raj strongly responded to trolls on social media who questioned his presence at his mother’s funeral held at a church, despite his public stance as an atheist.

The controversy erupted after users on X resurfaced an old video where the veteran actor had spoken about not believing in God. They accused him of double standards after he attended the Christian burial ceremony of his mother, Suvarnalatha.

Reacting sharply, Prakash Raj clarified that respecting his mother’s beliefs was paramount. “Yes, I don’t believe in God… but my mother believed in her God. Who am I to deny her the right to be buried according to her belief,” he wrote on X.

Calling out the criticism, he added that such gestures reflect basic human respect and questioned whether those spreading hate would understand this sentiment.

The actor had earlier spoken about atheism in an interview, stating that belief in God is a personal choice and that he prefers to focus on humanity. He also emphasised that he has no issues with faith as long as it is not used to harm or divide people.

Prakash Raj’s mother passed away earlier this week in Bengaluru. The actor had expressed gratitude to well-wishers for their condolences, sharing an emotional message remembering her.

The incident has sparked a wider debate on personal beliefs, tolerance, and respecting individual choices, with many backing the actor for his stand on honouring his mother’s faith.