Nani’s Braid Advice Gets Tangled Online

Nani’s The Paradise promotions have landed him in an unexpected tangle — over braids. While explaining his character’s distinctive hairstyle, the actor urged women to bring back the traditional braid, suggesting that Western influence had changed how women wear their hair.

The internet reacted fast. Some laughed it off; others questioned the idea that choosing a hairstyle signals Western influence. One post summed up the mood: women have “more important stuff to focus on now than braids.”

The exchange also turned playful when Nani suggested braiding and oiling hair to prevent hair fall.

The exchange also turned playful when Nani suggested braiding and oiling hair to prevent hair fall. He was reminded that women today have little time for elaborate hair care, while his advice was jokingly questioned given that he wore a wig for the film.

Nani took it in good humour, “I understand your problem. I have been struggling with this for a year and a half now. Heavy respect for all women,” he said. But the traditional-versus-Western framing continued to fuel the online debate, turning a conversation about hair into one about personal choice and changing beauty habits.

The irony? Nani’s own The Paradise braids are central to his look. Costume designer Ajay Kumar J says the natural-hair braids weigh around two kilos, created to suit the character’s rugged 1980s aesthetic.

Highlight: “Nobody is wearing braids nowadays. Women look beautiful in braids. You should all go back to braids... Somewhere, we are getting influenced by Western culture. Let’s go back to braids. I hope Jadal starts that trend.”

MEANWHILE:

Actor’s ‘Bible’ remark draws another debate

Nani’s comments about Tamil cinema have also stirred discussion. At a Chennai press meet, the actor described Tamil cinema as a “Bible” to him, crediting legends including Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, Bhagyaraj and Bharathiraja with shaping his love for cinema.

Producer Raj Kandukuri believes the remark needs to be seen in context, while acknowledging that the religious reference could have been avoided. “We don’t know in which context Nani mentioned it,” he says. “There are many references he could have made to praise Tamil cinema, which we also admire for its good work. Maybe the use of the word ‘Bible’ hurt the feelings of some people.” Kandukuri also feels the episode reflects how quickly celebrity comments are dissected online. “Social media is on an upswing and any comment is marked and questioned. We have to be double careful with our words,” he says.

We don’t know in which context Nani mentioned it. There are many references he could have made to praise Tamil cinema, which we also admire for its good work. Maybe the use of the word ‘Bible’ hurt the feelings of some people.” — Raj Kandukuri, Producer