Actor-director Radhakrishnan Parthiban has come under scrutiny after a recent speech at an event in Teluguland – for the promotion of a film, where he openly identified himself by caste, even as his past public positions in Tamil Nadu strongly align with anti-caste Dravidian ideology.
In the speech, Parthiban introduced himself by stating, “I am Parthiban, Radhakrishnan Parthiban. I am a Naidu,” while addressing a Telugu audience. He went on to emphasize his roots, linguistic background, and career in Tamil cinema, expressing gratitude to the Tamil film industry for shaping his journey. He also assured the audience that he would return and speak fully in Telugu in the future.
He said, “I am a Naidu. But I was born and raised in Chennai itself. I am somewhat more fluent in Tamil compared to Telugu. But after this film is released, whenever I act in Telugu films, at that point, I will definitely come and meet you. Particularly for the success of this film, I will definitely come. At that time, I, Moorthy, promise that I will speak fully in Telugu. By the way, Moorthy is my original name. I have acted in about 75 films in the Tamil industry, and I have directed and produced around 15-20 films. I have received a few National Awards. At this stage, I want to thank the Tamil industry, because it is the Tamil industry that introduced me to all of you. I am very happy about that. Now, what was said on this stage just now, it was said in Tamil (“Aravaan”) “Aayirathil Oruvan” – meaning “One in a Thousand.” Yes, one in a thousand.“
Aravas are Menace to Society!!!
This is how Aravas are erasing Telugu in TN-by modifying names and culture so that everything can eventually be claimed as their own.#SaveTeluguainTN https://t.co/fda5sR0WYt pic.twitter.com/8VL51Oc4A0
— విరాట వీరా (@ViratVeer18) March 16, 2026
Here are instances where Parthiban has praised the ‘anti-caste’ Dravidianist ideologue, EV Ramasamy Naicker also referred to as Periyar by his followers.
Parthiban received the Periyar Award in 2018, alongside actor Vijay Sethupathi and director Gopi Nainar. He delivered a speech at the Periyar Thidal (Periyar Square) event in Chennai. In his speech, Parthiban elevated Periyar to a near-divine status, stating he begins by “worshipping Thanthai Periyar as God,” clarifying that this “God” represents rationalism and higher intellect. He dismissed traditional respect for elders, arguing that “growing old is not a great thing,” and instead praised Periyar’s intellectual maturity and courage, calling him the true embodiment of knowledge. He highlighted Periyar’s fearless leadership of the Dravidian movement and claimed that what “should have taken 200 years, he achieved in 20.” Emphasizing ideological devotion, Parthiban urged that “all of us must walk the path of Periyar and live in his shadow,” framing it as a collective duty.
In January 2025, when NTK chief Seeman made several remarks criticising Periyar, Parthiban publicly defended Periyar’s legacy in a TV interview in Puducherry. He said, “Why does Seeman want to diminish Periyar? He may have his own political reasons. But we should not add fuel to the fire. The best response is to ignore Seeman’s words. Today, even Seeman needs Periyar to do politics – that shows how great Periyar is.”
Parthiban is playing the perfect Dravidianist – flaunt caste pride outside TN, praise EVR and speak anti-caste dialogues inside TN.
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