Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu has found himself in the middle of an unexpected controversy. The actor, who enjoys a massive fan following nationwide, has reportedly received a legal notice. This comes after he allegedly promoted a real estate firm involved in a ₹34 lakh scam. The development has shocked fans and sparked widespread debate online.
⚠️ What’s the Controversy All About?
According to media reports, a Hyderabad-based real estate company is under investigation for duping investors with false promises. The company allegedly collected large sums of money—amounting to over ₹34 lakh—from several individuals under the pretext of selling plots in prime locations.
What’s raising eyebrows is Mahesh Babu’s association with the brand as a celebrity endorser. His presence in their advertisements and promotional material allegedly gave the venture added credibility, which reportedly influenced many customers to invest without a second thought.
📜 Legal Notice Issued to Mahesh Babu
The legal notice claims that the actor’s endorsement played a direct role in luring unsuspecting investors. Victims of the scam argue that Mahesh Babu, being a public figure, has a responsibility to verify the credibility of the brands he promotes.
Although Mahesh Babu isn’t directly involved in the scam, officials are holding him accountable under the Consumer Protection Act for endorsing a misleading promotion.
🔎 What the Law Says About Celebrity Endorsements
The Consumer Protection Act (2019) empowers authorities to take action against misleading ads and endorsers. Authorities can penalise celebrities if they fail to conduct thorough due diligence before endorsing a product or service. This law aims to ensure that public figures don’t promote companies or products that could potentially harm consumers.
As more celebrities face legal disputes over endorsements (like Madhuri Dixit in the Maggi case), the spotlight on responsible advertising has grown stronger than ever.
🎬 What This Means for Mahesh Babu and SSMB29
This controversy comes at a sensitive time for Mahesh Babu, who is currently prepping for SSMB29, a highly anticipated film directed by SS Rajamouli. The buzz around the film is massive, and any negative publicity could be a distraction for the star and his team.
While Mahesh Babu’s fans continue to support him online, legal complications could temporarily affect brand deals and film promotions. The actor’s team has yet to issue an official statement regarding the legal notice.
💬 Netizens React: Support and Shock in Equal Measure
Social media is abuzz with mixed reactions. While some fans have come forward defending the actor, stating he may have been unaware of the company’s background, others argue that celebrities must be more cautious in choosing endorsements.
Here are a few Twitter reactions:
- “Mahesh Babu can never intentionally mislead fans. Hope he comes out clean.”
- “Time for celebs to take responsibility. People trust them blindly.”
🧠 The Bigger Picture: Celebs and Accountability
This case once again highlights the fine line between stardom and social responsibility. In an era where celebrity influence shapes consumer behaviour, the pressure is now on actors and influencers to promote only credible brands.
If proven, this case could become a legal precedent for future endorsement-related disputes.
📝 Final Thoughts
The situation is still unfolding, and Mahesh Babu’s legal team is expected to respond soon. For now, this controversy serves as a wake-up call for both celebrities and brands alike. Authenticity, transparency, and responsibility are no longer optional—they’re essential.
Stay tuned as more details emerge about Mahesh Babu’s legal response and the investigation into the real estate scam.
