This morning, we had reported about Sivaji making derogatory remarks at the Dhandoraa pre-release event, about women’s outfit choices, where he suggested that female actors in particular shouldn’t wear revealing outfits. His use of language in particular has been drawing a lot of criticism since.
Earlier today, film personalities like Manoj Manchu and Chinmayi expressed their concern over the moral policing and use of derogatory language by Sivaji. Now Ram Gopal Varma has shared his thoughts on the incident. Taking to his X page, RGV posted, “Hey Shivaji whatever you are — If the women in your home are willing to bear a uncouth dirty guy like you, you are welcome to moral police them. With regard to the other women in society or film industry or wherever, you can put your opinions in where they belong.”
Additionally, Navdeep, who is also Sivaji’s co-star in Dhandoraa and was present at the event on Monday, penned on X, “The statements that were uttered on stage yesterday were disrespectful! I disagree with the choice of words and the opinion presented!”
Earlier on Monday, Manchu Manoj had apologised on behalf of all senior actors for Sivaji's remarks, stating, “This kind of statement is deeply disappointing. Policing women's clothing or placing moral responsibility on them is outdated and unacceptable. I unequivocally apologize for these remarks that have demeaned women and reduced them to objects. We cannot, and will not, normalize or ignore this behavior. Women deserve respect, dignity, and equality at all times. Silence is not an option, and accountability is essential.” The actor also noted how such comments violate Articles 14, 15 and 21 of Constitution of India. “Equality, dignity, and personal liberty are non negotiable, women's clothing is not up for public judgment,” he added.
Chinmayi in her X post had commented, “Telugu Actor Sivaji doles out unnecessary advice to Actresses using slurs like ‘Daridrapu Munda’ saying they need to wear Saris to cover their ‘Saamaan’ - a word incels use. Actor Shivaji played a villain in a fantastic film and end up becoming the hero for incel boys.”