Nagarjuna Compares Pradeep Ranganathan to Rajinikanth and Dhanush

Recently, Pradeep has been busy promoting his upcoming Diwali release, **Dude**. Throughout press events in Hyderabad, he faced pointed questions, including comparisons to Dhanush. However, on Bigg Boss 9, Nagarjuna stood firmly by Pradeep, likening him to iconic figures like Rajinikanth. Nagarjuna described Pradeep as a “merupu teega,” a term synonymous with a flash of lightning, signifying impact.

Nagarjuna’s Remark on Pradeep

While on the show, Pradeep expressed gratitude for Nagarjuna’s high praise. Nagarjuna elaborated, saying, “Decades ago, a **merupu teega** reshaped cinema—Rajinikanth. Years later, Dhanush made waves as another. Now, I’m witnessing a similar spark in Pradeep.” This acknowledgment meant a lot to Pradeep.

He responded, “Sir, those words are monumental. Your recognition truly matters to me.” Nagarjuna also added, “I appreciate your films for their modern storytelling. They resonate with today’s youth, breaking language barriers.” Such validation is crucial in the world of Tamil cinema.

Addressing the ‘Not Hero Material’ Comment

At a recent press conference, Pradeep faced a challenging question: “You don’t fit the typical hero mold. Is it hard work or luck that fuels your popularity?”

Before Pradeep could respond, co-star Sarathkumar intervened. He highlighted that definitions of heroism vary and criticized the narrow perspective. He stressed that anyone contributing positively to society is a hero.

Pradeep, however, wanted to share his views. He considered the question thoughtfully, stating, “While hard work plays a role, I believe it’s also God’s grace. The affection I receive shows that viewers identify with me. When they watch me on screen, they see themselves, making me a hero in their eyes.”

In a separate inquiry, Telugu actor Kiran Abbavaram defended Pradeep, stating he found the question unfair and unnecessary. He emphasized support among actors, rejecting the notion of body shaming anyone, especially someone from another state promoting their film.

**Dude**, featuring Pradeep and Mamitha Baiju, is set to hit theaters on October 17.