The South Indian Film Artistes Association (SIAA) or Nadigar Sangam has strongly criticised CV Shanmugam over his controversial remarks about actor Nayanthara during a recent political gathering, calling his comments “derogatory” and demanding an apology.
The controversy began after the AIADMK MP, speaking at a protest in Villupuram, said, “I want Nayanthara. Will you fulfil it? Will the Chief Minister fulfil someone's dream to marry Nayanthara?” The remark drew backlash from political circles as well as members of the film industry.
In a detailed statement addressed to Shanmugam, the association said it had been flooded with messages condemning his speech. “We have come across the extremely derogatory and shameful video of your recent speech. Since then, strong condemnations and expressions of anger from members of the film fraternity have been pouring in through mobile communications,” the statement read.
The SIAA emphasised that individuals holding public office must be mindful of their words. “During an election, political parties may express their views and ideologies as they wish; however, those in positions of responsibility, especially those elected by the people, must exercise utmost care and dignity in their choice of words,” it said, adding that Shanmugam had “abandoned parliamentary decorum” by making “highly objectionable remarks” in a public address.
Questioning the intent behind invoking the actor in a political speech, the association further noted, “Sir, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam once urged people to dream. But can such dreams of the people be fulfilled by asking a neighbouring country? The dreams of the people are about having a roof over a poor man's head, education for a farmer's son, employment opportunities for a middle-class woman, infrastructure for entrepreneurs, and security for the soldier guarding our borders. In such a context, how can we appreciate the manner in which you openly and shamelessly expressed your own ‘dream’ at a public gathering?”
The body also raised concerns about the broader implications of such remarks on women, particularly those in the film industry. “This is the era of women. There is no field where they are absent — from launching rockets into the sky to serving as doctors, teachers, and lawyers; operating heavy machinery; and even driving buses,” the statement said. It went on to ask, “In such a scenario, what kind of political decency is it to speak so disrespectfully about women in the film industry?”
Drawing parallels with women leaders in politics, the association cited figures such as Indira Gandhi and J. Jayalalithaa, questioning whether such remarks align with the values upheld by political leadership.
Concluding its statement, the SIAA urged Shanmugam to apologise and refrain from similar comments in the future. “Because you still hold the respect accorded to a representative elected by the people, we, the members of the film fraternity, collectively and with one voice, demand an apology from you. We also seek your assurance that you will not, in the future, speak disrespectfully about women associated with our industry.”
On the work front, Nayanthara was recently seen in Chiranjeevi's Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, which was released on the occasion of Pongal/Sankranti. In Tamil, her last project was Test, which was released directly on Netflix. Up next, she has a long list of films in various languages in her kitty, including Dear Students, NBK 111, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, Mannangatti Since 1960, Patriot, Mookuthi Amman 2, Hi and Rakkayie.