Prakash Raj lost films and ads due to political views, says wife Pony Verma

Actor Prakash Raj has lost film projects and advertising work because of his outspoken political views and social opinions. According to his wife, choreographer Pony Verma, the turning point was the 2017 murder of his close friend, journalist Gauri Lankesh. Speaking to Prema The Journalist, Verma revealed that Raj was deeply shattered by the killing but chose to speak out anyway, facing professional setbacks in the film industry as a result. Verma noted that some producers pulled back even after paying advance amounts, and advertisements stopped coming in. She recalled that Raj was also banned in Telugu cinema at times. Despite these challenges, Raj stood firm in his beliefs, maintaining that he cannot accept things he feels are wrong. She also mentioned an instance where Raj supported a protest by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in Delhi against the NEET paper leak during the 'Chalo Sansad' march, where protesters faced a lathi charge and pellet guns, leaving Verma terrified for his safety while he chose to stand with the students. Gauri Lankesh was shot dead outside her Bengaluru home in 2017 by motorcycle-borne attackers as she returned from work. She was known for her fearless journalism and vocal views on social and political issues, and her death sparked widespread national debates on freedom of expression and the safety of journalists.

Context

Outspoken public figures in the entertainment industry often face professional consequences when their political stances clash with mainstream commercial interests. This situation highlights the ongoing tension between personal activism and career security in the film world.