Telugu cinema industry unites against news presenter's derogatory remarks

Outrage erupted over the derogatory remakrs about female actors made by a news anchor in a debate with writer-turned-actor Posani Krishna Murali
Telugu cinema industry unites against news presenter's derogatory remarks

The members from the Movie Artistes Association (MAA), Telugu Film Producers Council (TFPC), Telugu Film Directors Association and other associations from the film industry came together on Tuesday to express their outrage over a vernacular news channel’s presenter for passing snide remarks and using obscene phrases targetted at female actors in the industry. It all began when the journalist’s debate with writer-turned-actor Posani Krishna Murali over the issue of granting special category status to Andhra Pradesh, turned ugly. Following the clip going viral on social media, intense debates have been sparked, with many celebrities coming forward to condemn the behaviour of the news channel and its reporter. Last evening, MAA organised a press meet to voice its concerns. It also demanded an apology and asked the media fraternity to take action against the journalist involved.

“We've always had high regard for the media. But such obscene remarks by one member could make us lose our respect. The media earns its livelihood with information about us, and it's shameful to see one of its members address women in the industry like that,” said MAA president Sivaji Raja.

Veteran producer C Kalyan declared that the industry would stop giving any sort of content to media houses that passed derogatory remarks on those in the industry. “Going forward, if any channel or media house makes any obscene remarks against us, we will not spare them. We will ban them from covering industry-related events,” he said.

Actor Lakshmi Manchu said, "We were born and raised in the industry. We represent the industry. We have lost respect and faith in the news media. We don't have security as actors. We have tolerated the gossip and other news stories written by some media people, but you have humiliated us today with these demeaning words. These days, media is driven by sensationalism. I'm questioning The Press Club and want to know why it hasn’t come forward to condemn these remarks. Why is that man not sacked from his job?"

Veteran filmmaker Thammareddy Bharadwaja said, “We have been treating media as our extended family. We respect journalists and let them into our homes, studios and offices; we respond to their phone calls. But in return, some media persons have forgotten the ethics of journalism and are making obnoxious comments. It’s high time these media people tendered an apology for hurting our women.”

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