Senior Telugu actor Sivaji at the pre-release event of the upcoming film dhandoraMade statements about women’s clothing that were considered distasteful, drawing widespread criticism on social media. Singer Chinmayi Sripada condemned Shivaji’s alleged use of derogatory words and called him out for giving unsolicited advice. At the event held on Monday evening, Sivaji praised the film team and anchor Sravanthi Chokkarapu for her choice of attire (she wore a sari) and described her dressing sense as “very good”.

Chinmayi highlighted several abuses against women that Shivaji had used in his address and said that his speech smacked of entitlement. She also said that it is “unbelievable how women are treated here”.

Sharing a video of his speech, Chinmayi wrote, “Telugu actor Sivaji gives unnecessary advice to actresses who use abuses like ‘d************a’, saying they need to wear sarees to cover their ‘s*****n’ – a word that is used too often. Actor Sivaji played a villain in a brilliant film and eventually became a hero for incel boys. The point is – these are professional spaces where Sivaji He himself is using words like ‘d*********’ and should wear dhoti only and wear bindi if he is married. Kankanam (bracelet) and Metelu (The ring in the toe) shows that he is married. Unbelievable how women are treated here. absolutely incredible. (sic)”

Here is the post:

Shivaji addressed the audience and shared his perspective on the current trends in how women artistes dress up for events. He made a direct request to the female artistes without calling anyone. Shivaji said, “I request all the heroines not to wear ostentatious outfits. Please wear a saree or dress that covers the body completely. Beauty lies in the complete dress or saree, not in displaying material assets.”

Expanding on his ideas, Shivaji talked about people’s reactions to seeing ‘revealing’ outfits, which suggests that outward agreeableness can hide discomfort. “People may not say anything openly because they think it’s your freedom, but deep down they won’t like it. They feel like saying, “You poor woman! Why are you wearing such hideous clothes? Can’t you wear some ‘decent clothes’ instead?”, he said, referencing unspoken opinions within the audience.

She also made a comparison between women and the elements of nature in her speech. Shivaji said, “A woman is like nature. When nature is beautiful, we respect her. A woman is like my mother, whom I hold close to my heart.”

During his speech, Shivaji referred to great actors as examples of decency, saying, “They made an impact through their attire, that’s why I can name them,” and cited Savitri, Soundarya and Rashmika Mandanna for their dressing sense.

Here is the video:

Shivaji acknowledged the potential reaction to his statements, especially from women. She stressed the value of independence and outlined her stance on glamor in the industry, saying, “Freedom is priceless – don’t lose it. People will respect you based on your conduct. There should be limits to glamour; it should not cross a certain limit,” she said.

She further mentioned that many beauty pageant winners have chosen traditional attire like saree while representing India on international platforms.

While her comments have generated discussion on social media and within the industry, with some supporting her views on tradition and others highlighting the importance of personal choice, the debate around women’s freedom of expression and dress remains an important topic in the Telugu film community.