Telugu film actor Sivaji has issued a public apology following severe backlash over his comments advising female co-stars on their choice of clothing. His remarks, made at a public event, prompted the Telangana State Commission for Women to summon him for an explanation.
The Controversial Comments and Swift Backlash
During an event for the film Dhandora on Monday, Sivaji singled out anchor Sravanthi Chokkarapu for wearing a saree. He then proceeded to make a request to all heroines. He asked them to avoid wearing "revealing" outfits and instead opt for sarees or dresses that "cover the body fully." He stated that beauty lies in complete attire, not in displaying physical assets. The actor used certain slurs considered derogatory towards women, which became the focal point of the controversy.
The reaction was swift. The Telangana State Commission for Women took suo motu cognizance of his statements. In a notice sent to the actor, the Commission stated that his comments appeared deliberately intended to defame women, particularly the women of Telangana. They summoned him to appear personally before the commission on Saturday, instructing him to furnish relevant documents by 11 AM.
Sivaji's Apology and Clarification
Facing intense criticism and legal action, Sivaji posted a video apology on social media platform X on Tuesday. He claimed that his intention was to express concern for the safety of women actors in public, referencing recent incidents where Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Niddhi Agerwal were mobbed inappropriately at events.
He clarified that his advice was directed at heroines regarding their attire at public events, not at all women. "My intention was not to insult anyone. Still, two unparliamentary words came out. My sincere apologies for that," he said. The actor admitted he should have avoided using those specific words and expressed regret for hurting the sentiments of women in the film industry and beyond.
Industry Reactions and Past Work
The controversy drew sharp reactions from within the film fraternity. Noted filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma posted a strong rebuke on X, telling Sivaji he was welcome to "moral police" women in his own home but to keep his opinions about other women in society to himself.
Sivaji, known for films like Missamma (2003), Adirindayya Chandram (2005), and Satyabhama (2007), now awaits his hearing with the Women's Commission. The commission will conduct an enquiry under Section 16 (1)(b) of the Telangana Women’s Commission Act, 1998.
This incident has reignited discussions on the policing of women's clothing, the responsibility of public figures in their speech, and the mechanisms in place to address derogatory remarks against women in the public sphere.
