New Delhi:
A light-hearted exchange over hairstyles took an unexpected turn when actor Nani suggested that women should bring back braids, saying that people are being too influenced by Western culture. His comments came during a promotional interaction for his upcoming film. Paradise, in Karnataka drew backlash from journalists, and later online reactions.
Nani was discussing her character Jadal, who sports a braided hairstyle in the film, when she encouraged women to get back into the look. What started out as a light-hearted exchange with reporters soon attracted a widespread backlash, with some social media users questioning Nani’s comments.
#NANI: “Women look beautiful in braids.”
Correspondent:
“You #Paradise I grow my roots and say…
How do you wear a WIG and tell us?”
The crowd laughed at Nani’s answer! pic.twitter.com/wJTtUrrnYR
— Movies4u Official (@Movies4u_Officl) September 18, 2026
What did grandma say about braids?
Talking about his character’s hairstyle in paradise, Nani said she rarely sees women wearing braids anymore and suggested the style should make a comeback.
He pointed to a female reporter at the event and noted that she was not wearing a braid. Nani recalled how mothers traditionally pierced their daughters’ hair and said that people, in her view, were being influenced by Western culture. He added that he hopes his character, Jadal, will start a new trend.
The reporter diverted the conversation
The reporter responded by pointing out that men are also growing their hair faster. Continuing the conversation, Nani recalled how the girls at her school had thick hair. She also added oiling and braiding to strong hair, saying that women should braid and oil their hair to achieve hair like her character Jadal.
Another female reporter then joked that a woman might have listened to him if he had grown his hair for the film instead of wearing a wig. This comment left Nani laughing. When the reporter pointed out that women these days don’t have enough time to take care of their hair, Nani agreed.
The internet reacted to Nani’s comments
The exchange received mixed reactions online. While some users found the conversation between Nani and the journalists amusing, others criticized her suggestion that women should return to wearing braids.
One social media user wrote, “Oh please keep your opinion to yourself sir. Why are you getting into all this? Is this even your problem? Braiding takes effort and time and practice, we have more important things to focus on right now than “braids”.
I have no opinion on this. idhantha enduku meeku. The real problem is my head. Braiding takes effort and time and practice???? And we have more important things to focus on now than “braids”???? https://t.co/sG6TwsYJLR
— Valya (@fakexcinephile) September 18, 2026
“Meanwhile, they live in all the king’s places wearing shorts and banis…They don’t even know what the cultural dress of the ancients was,” said another. A third user questioned, “Who would talk about hard water in the shower?” “I really don’t understand why men have so many opinions,” shared another.
paradise release date
paradise Starring Nani, Kayadu Lohar, Mohan Babu and Raghav Jual. Directed by Srikanth Odela, the film is slated to hit theaters on September 24.
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