RGV receives B Tech degree after 37 years, his advice to students sparks controversy

Noted filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, who is often in the news for sparking controversies through his social media comments, recently took to Twitter to share a rather quirky update. Known for his path-breaking movies - like Siva, Rangeela, Satya, Company and Bhoot - RGV tweeted that he has finally received his Bachelor of Technology degree, 37 years after completing the course at Acharya Nagarjuna University, in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. 

Along with a picture of the degree, the director wrote, “Super thrilled to receive my B tech degree today 37 years after I passed , which I never took it in 1985 since I wasn’t interested in practicing civil engineering..Thank you #AcharyaNagarjunaUniversity 😘😘😘Mmmmmmuuaahh 😍😍😍”.  

The filmmaker - who has worked across Hindi, Telugu and Kannada industries - graduated with a second-class from the university. In just about an hour, the tweet garnered more than 4,000 likes on the micro-blogging site, where he has 5.8 million followers. Users congratulated RGV on receiving his degree. “Ohhh woww this is unbelievable and Awsome ..... Congratulations Engineer Ramu garu. I feeling so nice to see this.”, while another user wrote, “Civil engineering! That’s the reason you used locations like - under construction buildings/structures in some of your earlier movies”. “So sweet sir .... Even I got second class in engineering, I hope me too will become a director like you”, a fan responded to the filmmaker’s tweet.

In another tweet, RGV said, “I told the honourable vice chancellor Prof Raja Shekar garu I don’t deserve this honour but he insisted I do”, followed by another post, saying, “Prof. Rajashekar garu..I usually feel horrible to be honoured ..But this time I truly felt honoured to be with such honourable people on such an honour filled occasion”. 

While addressing the students of the university, the director told them that he tries to make the most of every moment. “After death, we are promised a reunion with Rambha, Urvashi, and Tilottama, the three heavenly beauties. So, what if we can’t find them? Because of this, I can finally appreciate life. I only want you to do what makes you happy, so eat, drink and be merry,” he elaborated.

However, his remarks didn’t go down well with the female professors. According to many, RGV’s advice to the youngsters was not appropriate.