No issue with Mahesh Babu: Prakash Raj

In what almost seems like a scene straight out of a movie, actor Prakash Raj made a brisque entry to a press conference convened by him, said his piece with charm and left, hoping that would contain the situation that's been brewing. However, his reluctance to answer anything further than the script he came prepared with, perhaps left more tongues wagging than before.

What may have started as a stray incident on the sets of Sreenu Vaitla's Aagadu has snow-balled into a major controversy with the actor being replaced with Sonu Sood in the Mahesh Babu-starrer.

Added to that, a complaint has been lodged against him with the Directors' Association and the Producers's Association in Tollywood. Rumour also has it that he may be banned from the industry if the committee being constituted to resolve the issue is not satisfied with his explanation.

Feeling compelled to say something, the multiple national award winner wanted to set a few things straight before the committee convened. 'The truth is, I was part of the film. I completed the scene and left after the shoot and it is also true that I have been replaced.

Yes, there have been creative differences between the director and me. But, since it has been blown out of proportion, I thought I should clear things myself,' he said. He also added that he currently doesn't have an issue with actor Mahesh Babu or the assistant director.

'I respect Mahesh a lot and there's no issue between us. Same is the case with the assistant director; if he comes to me with a script tomorrow, we may work together.'

Speaking rather jovially, he however refrained from talking about director Vaitla or the altercation that led to his ouster, saying it would be incorrect to do so at this point.

He insisted that while many versions of the story may be going around, judgements should be passed only after clarifications come in from both parties included. 'Once the committee is formed and if they think that I am at fault, I will apologise,' he emphasised.

However, the scene turned dramatic when he said there was one person driving this entire episode, but did not reveal a name. 'There is one man behind all this, who is passing these stories only to cover up his own inability. This is not just about me, but it is bringing differences among the entire film fraternity,' he said, adding, 'I would not like to reveal his name yet as I may influence the judgement.'

He requested that people be patient till the committee makes a decision and the actor also hopes to publish a video of the whole proceeding.

Last seen in the film Race Gurram, the Kannada actor is currently busy with the post production of his upcoming film Ulavacharu Biryani that is set to release in Kannada, Tamil and Telugu.