'Blaming victim is manipulation': Nidhhi Agerwal reacts to Sivaji's comments on accusing her over provoking the mob

Nidhhi Agerwal

At a press conference in Hyderabad on Wednesday, Telugu actor Sivaji reaffirmed his belief that it is crucial for actresses to wear modestly when attending functions. Ironically, he said that Samantha Ruth Prabhu was "luckily" wearing a saree while blaming Nidhhi Agerwal for "provoking" the crowd with her attire. Nidhhi spoke up about the matter.

Nidhhi Agerwal reacts to Sivaji's comment

On December 17, Nidhhi attended a song launch in Hyderabad's Lulu Mall with the cast of her next movie, The Raja Saab. She and her security are seen struggling in the crowd as she is surrounded by many men in a video from the event. As she gets into her car, the actor appears to be shaken by it. Nidhhi first spoke out about the matter following Sivaji's press conference. Without mentioning him, she posted a photo of herself from the incident along with the caption, "Blaming the victim is called manipulation."

What was Sivaji's comment?

At the press conference, Sivaji restated his remarks. He responded to the question of why he is urging actresses to wear modestly rather than men to act appropriately. "Who is going to pay attention? He promises to continue talking to her and taking photos. Additionally, he asserted that, despite appearing to do so subsequently, he wasn't "blaming" Nidhhi or Samantha for what had transpired.

When questioned about how Samantha was harassed on December 21 at a store opening despite donning a saree, the actor responded, "Samantha had the advantage; she was luckily in a saree. Gen Z do not know better, they want to touch artists. Even Sridevi was once touched in Tenali when she was shooting there. I am not blaming Samantha or Nidhhi for it. All I am saying is, they need to be careful. What if Nidhhi's clothes had slipped? Nobody would even remove the video if we asked them to."

When he was question on how women are harassed despite what they wear, Sivaji retaliated, "A lot of people asked on social media if anyone ever touched Sai Pallavi, Anushka, Soundarya, Bhumika, or Laya and Meera Jasmine? They all dress modestly. Do not provoke; men will feel like they can touch you when you do so. Why give them that opportunity? Dress however you feel like, but I am just pointing out facts."

Sivaji has received criticism from people, including celebrities, ever since he originally said on Monday that actresses should wear modestly or in sarees when attending gatherings.