Shivarajkumar has addressed the discussion surrounding his decision to call younger actor Pradeep Ranganathan “sir” at a recent event in Tamil Nadu, saying that respecting everyone, irrespective of age, is part of the values he was raised with.
The actor said he has always been taught to treat people with courtesy, whether they are younger or older. “From a young age, we have been taught to respect everyone. Whether the person in front of me is younger or older, there is nothing wrong in showing them respect. If it is a woman, we address her as madam. Is there a rule that says we cannot call someone younger than us ‘sir’ or ‘madam’? When we address someone with affection and respect, I don't think it should become a controversy,” he said.
Shivarajkumar also pointed to the influence of his father, Dr Rajkumar, and the family environment in which he was raised. “In our family, we have always spoken respectfully. We don't have the culture of speaking to someone casually in the singular form. Anyone who has grown up in our father Dr Rajkumar's family would know that we were never taught to address people lightly or look down on anyone. Respecting everyone is something Appaji taught us,” he said.
He added that he has no regrets about the way he addressed Pradeep and dismissed the criticism surrounding it. “I respect everyone from my heart. I don't see anything wrong or inferior in that. If some people still want to criticise me over this, let them. If criticising me gives them happiness, they can continue. I will be a part of their happiness too. I have no problem with it,” he said with a smile.
