Tollywood celebs push back against Sivaji’s remarks on actresses’ attire

The timing couldn’t be worse. Actor Sivaji’s misogynistic plea for “modesty” has backfired spectacularly, with the industry already reeling from the terrifying mobbing of Nidhhi Agerwal and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Tollywood hit back at the remarks, delivered at a Monday movie event. Celebrities, led by singer Chinmayi Sripada, Manchu Manoj, and RGV, have condemned Sivaji’s comments as dangerous “moral policing” that perpetuates the very harassment these actresses faced earlier this week.

What Happened

Addressing the audience, Sivaji urged women actors to avoid revealing clothing, using language that included derogatory references to women. “I request you not to wear revealing clothes. I don’t want to offend any heroines, but your beauty lies in sarees and fully dressed attires, not revealing clothes,” he said. He also cited actors Savitri, Soundarya, and Rashmika Mandanna, as examples of women whose attire has made a positive impact.




‘Shaming women while ignoring harassment normalises control’

Voices of Women, the support group for women in the Telugu Film Industry (TFI), said in a statement: “It is deeply hypocritical when an industry that thrives on glamourisation and objectification turns to moral policing women. When actresses Nidhhi Agerwal and Samantha were recently mobbed, the silence was alarming. Shaming women while ignoring harassment only normalises control and violence. We question this selective morality.”

“Policing women’s clothing or placing moral responsibility on them is outdated and unacceptable. Respect and accountability should start with individual behaviour, not by shaming women for how they dress. Public figures must speak responsibly, especially when their words influence society. Women’s clothing is not up for public judgment.”

- Manchu Manoj, actor

The statements that were uttered on stage yesterday were disrespectful! I disagree with the choice of words and the opinion presented!”

- Navdeep, actor

“These are professional environments where Sivaji is using such language. He himself wears jeans and a hoodie. He should wear only dhotis and follow Indian culture. Wear bottu (bindi) and if he is married wear the kankanam (bangles) and mettelu (toe ring) to signify he is married. Unbelievable how women are treated.”

- Chinmayi Sripada, singer

“Hey Shivaji whatever you are, if the women in your home are willing to bear an uncouth dirty guy like you, you are welcome to moral police them. With regard to the other women in society or film industry or wherever, you can put your opinions in where they belong (sic)”

- Ram Gopal Varma, director

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