Harish Shankar Apologizes to Mahesh Babu Fans Over Social Media Post

New Delhi, March 11, 2026: In a move to de-escalate growing social media tensions, popular Telugu film director Harish Shankar has issued a formal and heartfelt apology to the fans of Superstar Mahesh Babu. The controversy, which erupted on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, centered around an unintentional social media interaction that many fans perceived as a slight against the actor.

The incident occurred during the promotional heat for Harish Shankar’s upcoming big-ticket film, Ustaad Bhagat Singh, starring Power Star Pawan Kalyan.

The Spark of the Controversy

The friction began when Harish Shankar was actively engaging with fans on X (formerly Twitter) following the release of the song promo for “Collar Ey Etthara.” Amidst a flurry of positive replies, the director responded to a tweet from a user that contained a satirical remark regarding Mahesh Babu’s box-office records.

The fan’s post suggested that Pawan Kalyan’s upcoming film should “shatter the records” of Mahesh Babu, using the nickname “Bob” (a moniker often used by trolls). Unaware of the derogatory context or the full content of the message, Harish Shankar replied with “Thadhastu” (meaning “So be it”).

Mahesh Babu’s loyal fanbase quickly took notice, and the “Thadhastu” reply went viral within minutes, sparking widespread outrage and heated debates between the two major fandoms.

An Immediate Clarification

Realizing the mistake after being alerted by his team, the director deleted the post within a minute. However, as the backlash continued to grow, he released a detailed statement to clear the air.

Harish Shankar attributed the oversight to an “insanely packed schedule” and a moment of “partial reading.” In his explanation, he detailed the whirlwind of activities he was juggling:

• Meetings with the Censor Board.
• A visit to the Peddamma Temple to seek blessings.
• Final post-production checks for the song promo.
• Background score sessions with music director Thaman.

Respect for the Superstar

To reassure the fans, Harish Shankar emphasized his deep-seated respect for Mahesh Babu. He even pointed toward the actor’s highly anticipated project with SS Rajamouli, tentatively titled Varanasi, predicting it would set unprecedented global records.

“I have enough common sense not to court controversy, especially when my film is just 10 days away from release,” he added, noting that he has always been a vocal admirer of the Superstar’s work, frequently citing films like Pokiri as personal favorites.

Looking Ahead: Ustaad Bhagat Singh

The timing of the apology is crucial as Harish Shankar prepares for the theatrical release of Ustaad Bhagat Singh on March 19, 2026. The film, produced by Mythri Movie Makers, is one of the year’s most anticipated releases.

By addressing the issue swiftly and transparently, the director hopes to shift the focus back to the cinema and maintain the “healthy atmosphere” he believes is necessary for the success of any big-budget Tollywood film.