KUALA LUMPUR – Celebrity chef Datuk Redzuawan Ismail, popularly known as Chef Wan, has come under fire for a remark he made comparing Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s dress to the attire worn during the Thaipusam religious celebration.

Datuk Sivakumar Nadarajah, a trustee of the Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Temple, expressed that Chef Wan’s comment, although intended as a joke, was offensive to the Indian community, particularly Hindu devotees.

“As a respected celebrity, Chef Wan should be mindful of his conduct and avoid making remarks that can hurt others’ feelings,” Sivakumar said.

“It’s shocking, and I’m not sure what inspired this joke. He might have been trying to associate the beauty queen and actress with the famous tourist destination, Batu Caves. Perhaps he intended to liken Aishwarya Rai’s peacock-like dress to the symbolism of Thaipusam, but such jokes are illogical and deeply offensive, especially given that Thaipusam is a religious observance carried out with vows and rituals.”

Sivakumar emphasized that such matters are not to be taken lightly and urged Chef Wan to issue an immediate apology. “We live harmoniously under one roof with all races and ethnicities; avoid actions like this,” he added.

The controversy arose after Chef Wan commented on an Instagram post by Namaste Bollywood, which featured Aishwarya Rai’s dress at the Cannes Film Festival. Chef Wan jokingly remarked that the dress resembled a kavadi procession for Thaipusam at Batu Caves, writing, “She’s carrying a Kavadi to the Thaipusam ceremony at Batu Caves.”

Aishwarya dazzled the Cannes red carpet for the second time this year in a gown by designer duo Falguni Shane Peacock. Chef Wan’s comment sparked online backlash, with users accusing him of racism.

Sivakumar also called for the authorities to intervene swiftly to prevent the situation from escalating and affecting racial harmony in the country. -MalayaDailyToday