Telugu actor Sivaji apologised before the Telangana State Commission for Women for his remarks at a film event and withdrew them entirely. The Commission questioned the justification of harassment based on women’s attire
Sivaji
Telugu actor Sivaji appeared before the Telangana State Commission for Women on Saturday after being summoned for an inquiry into his “inappropriate” remarks made at a film event. During the inquiry, he tendered an apology for his comments on women and admitted his mistake, according to a release issued by the Commission.
Sivaji tender apology
Sivaji stated that he was withdrawing his remarks in their entirety and assured the Commission that he would hereafter speak about and behave towards women with dignity and respect.
During the inquiry, Telangana State Women’s Commission Chairperson Nerella Sharada questioned him on how harassment could be justified by attributing it to women’s attire.
Earlier, in a video posted on X on December 23, Sivaji admitted to having inadvertently used two “unparliamentary” words during his speech and apologised for the same. The remarks were made at an event for the film Dhandora on December 22. Taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, the Commission had directed him to appear before it on Saturday.
Sivaji had earlier stated that the two unparliamentary words were used while he was trying to say a “few good words” in the wake of some heroines facing inconvenience in recent times. He clarified that his comments were not directed at all women, but were intended as advice to heroines to be cautious about their attire at public events—an apparent reference to two female actors being mobbed by crowds at separate events in the city recently.
The Commission, however, observed that in such incidents at public events, instead of ensuring adequate protection for women artistes, attention is often diverted towards their attire, while event organisers are not held accountable.
What did Sivaji say?
The controversy started when Sivaji addressed the audience at an event of his upcoming film Dhandoraa and praised the female host for her choice of wearing a saree. He then addressed how he felt heroines should dress, and made remarks that many found to be unsolicited and moralising.
Sivaji said, "I request all heroines not to wear revealing outfits. Please wear sarees or dresses that cover the body fully. Beauty lies in complete attire or a saree, not in displaying physical assets." He added, "A woman is like nature. When nature is beautiful, we respect it. A woman is like my mother, whom I hold close to my heart." Sivaji also spoke about yesteryear actresses, as well as Rashmika Mandanna, to support his views about what he referred to as "modest" dressing.
Sivaji added, "Freedom is precious – don't lose it. People will respect you based on your conduct. Glamour should have limits; it should not cross a certain line." These remarks faced sharp criticism across social media from fans and industry alike.
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