Here’s a bold statement: In the world of live events, one host just proved that quick thinking and charisma can turn a potential disaster into a triumph. But here’s where it gets controversial—while technical glitches and delays are every organizer’s nightmare, Suma Kanakala’s handling of the Varanasi Globe Trotter event has sparked a debate: Is she the ultimate crisis manager, or did the situation simply call for someone with her level of experience? Let’s dive in.
Updated on: Nov 16, 2025, 05:48 pm IST
The Varanasi Globe Trotter event, held at Ramoji Film City on November 15, was nothing short of a spectacle. With hundreds of fans eagerly awaiting a glimpse of superstar Mahesh Babu, the stage was set for a grand unveiling of the trailer for SS Rajamouli’s upcoming film, Varanasi. However, technical glitches and unexpected delays threatened to derail the event. Enter Suma Kanakala, whose impromptu humor, engaging speeches, and calm demeanor kept the audience captivated. Her ability to navigate the chaos has earned her widespread praise on social media, with many hailing her as the hero of the night. (Also read: SS Rajamouli thanks ‘disciplined’ Mahesh Babu fans for their patience during the Varanasi Globe Trotter event’s challenges.)
And this is the part most people miss—Suma’s admiration for SS Rajamouli goes beyond the event. In a heartfelt post on her X account, she shared a short video and wrote, ‘Yesterday was a super roller coaster, and I loved every bit of it… Witnessing @ssrajamouli garu’s unmatched dedication over the years, he is truly unstoppable. Super Star @urstrulyMahesh, your charm is timeless.’ The event was streamed live on JioHotstar, allowing fans worldwide to witness the magic.
The internet didn’t hold back in applauding Suma’s efforts. Singer Chinmayi Sripaada led the charge, declaring on her X account, ‘Suma Kanakala garu is the GOAT.’ Fans echoed this sentiment, with one user commenting, ‘Super woman. Pure talent and total respect. She poured her heart into keeping the event alive.’ Another added, ‘Hats off to Suma gaaru! Her wit, finesse, and presence of mind saved the day. Outstanding hosting!’
One fan pointed out, ‘She single-handedly saved the event from embarrassment. Her off-the-cuff engagements and conversations seamlessly deflected attention from the technical issues.’ Another remarked, ‘A special shout-out to Suma garu—her energy, timing, and hosting skills elevated the entire event. She’s in a league of her own!’ Interestingly, co-host Ashish Chanchlani was notably absent from the stage during the latter half of the event, leaving Suma to steer the ship solo.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Is Suma’s success a testament to her skill, or was she simply in the right place at the right time? While her handling of the situation was undoubtedly impressive, it’s worth considering whether any experienced host could have managed similarly. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
As for Varanasi, SS Rajamouli’s highly anticipated follow-up to the global phenomenon RRR (2022), the film stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Set for a 2027 release, it’s already generating buzz. But for now, the spotlight remains on Suma Kanakala, whose crisis management skills have set a new benchmark in event hosting.