Actor Shivaji recently made controversial comments about heroines and women’s clothing, sparking mixed reactions on social media. While some tried to defend his views, many criticized his remarks as derogatory and regressive. Among the strongest voices was singer Chinmayi, who is well known for speaking out on social issues, reacted strongly to Shivaji’s comments.
Chinmayi condemned Shivaji’s use of slurs like “Daridrapu Munda” and his suggestion that women should only wear sarees to cover their “saamaan,” a term often used disrespectfully online. She pointed out the hypocrisy in Shivaji’s statements, noting that he himself wears jeans and hoodies, yet expects women to strictly follow traditional attire. If he insists on cultural purity, she argued, he should also wear dhotis, apply a bottu, and follow all traditional markers of marriage such as kankanam and mettelu.
Her reaction highlights the larger issue of misogyny and moral policing in professional spaces. Chinmayi stressed that women should not be subjected to public shaming or forced to conform to someone else’s definition of “decency.” She expressed disbelief at how actresses and women continue to face such treatment, calling it unacceptable and outdated.
