The controversy surrounding actor Sivaji’s remarks on actresses’ dressing sense continues to escalate. Despite Sivaji holding a press meet to offer an apology, his comments regarding actresses Nidhi Agerwal and Samantha, along with a satirical counter to Anasuya Bharadwaj, have drawn sharp criticism from prominent figures like Singer Chinmayi Sripaada.
Singer Chinmayi’s Strong Reaction
Singer Chinmayi lashed out at Sivaji for his justification of an incident where an actress was harassed at a mall.
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Blaming the Victim: Chinmayi tweeted that by criticizing the actress’s clothes and suggesting that her attire made her “unsafe,” Sivaji is literally blaming the victim.
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Exposing Industry Misogyny: She stated that his comments reveal how “misogynistic” the industry is and how some people within it choose to justify harassment instead of condemning the harassers.
Anasuya Bharadwaj’s Two Questions
Anasuya, who had already given a strong video response to Sivaji, took to X (formerly Twitter) to pose two direct questions to the actor:
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“Are you suggesting that people should trouble me, sir?” (In response to his satirical comment about wanting a chance to “save” her).
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“Why didn’t you condemn the people who troubled that actress? Why did you choose to shame the victim instead?”
Anasuya asserted that she has reached her current position through immense hard work and courage and does not need “support” from people with such mindsets.
Nidhi Agerwal’s Stance
Actress Nidhi Agerwal, who was indirectly referenced in the initial controversy, also posted a cryptic but powerful message: “Blaming the victim is what some call ‘over-intelligence’.”
The Core of the Dispute
While Sivaji maintains that his “intention” was only to advise younger actresses to be careful for their own safety in a judgmental society, the women in the industry are viewing it as “victim shaming” and an infringement on their personal freedom. With neither side backing down, the debate over “My Body, My Choice” vs. “Social Safety” remains a heated topic in Tollywood.
