Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma publicly criticized Telugu actor Sivaji after his comments about how women should dress in the entertainment industry. The controversy began when Shivaji made remarks at a pre-release event, which many considered moral policing and misogynistic. The comment has sparked a debate within the film community, with many industry personalities and netizens expressing their views regarding the expectations placed on women in the industry.

RGV shared a post on social media platform X to react to Shivaji’s statements. He called the actor a “nasty man” and asked him to keep his opinions to himself. The filmmaker wrote, “I don’t know the full name of the person and hence I am commenting here…Hey Shivaji whoever you are, if the women in your house are willing to tolerate a rude, dirty man like you, then you are welcome as the moral police…With respect to other women in the society or the film industry or anywhere, you can put your opinions where they are.”

The post came after other members of the industry also criticized Shivaji for displaying blatant misogyny during a public event. Notable personalities including Chinmayi SripadaManchu Manoj, Lakshmi Manchu and Anasuya Bhardwaj expressed their disapproval, calling the comments regressive and highlighting the need to continually address misogyny in the industry. Many social media users also joined in criticizing Shivaji’s comments.

The incident occurred during the pre-release program of the film dhandoraWhere Shivaji, who recently appeared as a rival courtaddressed the female host praising her choice of saree. He then expanded his comments to all female artists and urged them to dress more conservatively. His statements immediately attracted attention and criticism.

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.” He used derogatory language towards women who choose to dress differently and suggested that they may be praised in public, but mocked in private.

Continuing his 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.” Citing examples of women artists of yesteryear and contemporary personalities, she said that they are respected for their work and their so-called modest dressing.

He concluded, “Liberty is priceless—don’t lose it. People will respect you based on your conduct. There must be limits to glamour; it must not cross a certain threshold.” His comments sparked immediate reaction online and within the industry.

Shivaji’s comments have reignited a larger conversation about the prevalence of moral policing and the need for accountability in the entertainment industry.