The Telangana Women’s Commission has taken a serious view of recent comments made by Telugu actor Sivaji regarding the dressing choices of female actors. During a pre-release event for the movie Dandora on Monday evening, Sivaji made controversial remarks about how “heroines should not wear whatever they want” and claimed that a woman’s beauty and respect lie only in traditional attire like sarees. These statements sparked an immediate backlash from women in the film industry and social activists, leading the Commission to issue an official notice.
The Commission has directed Sivaji to appear personally before them on December 27, 2025, to provide an explanation for his “unparliamentary” language and derogatory stance toward women’s autonomy. In his speech, Sivaji had suggested that while people might smile at women wearing short dresses, they “curse them internally” for their clothing choices. The Women’s Commission emphasized that such public moral policing by influential figures undermines the dignity of women and contributes to a regressive social mindset.
In response to the growing uproar and the legal notice, Sivaji released a video message offering a public apology. He clarified that his intention was not to insult all women but was specifically directed toward those in the film industry, though he admitted that using “unparliamentary words” was a mistake. Despite his apology, the Women’s Commission is proceeding with the inquiry to ensure accountability for public discourse regarding women’s rights and personal freedoms.
