Actor Chiranjeevi has come under scrutiny for the comments he made during the pre-release event of the upcoming comedy film, Brahma Anandam, where he was the chief guest. Speaking at the event, the actor expressed his desire for a grandson, saying he felt like a “ladies’ hostel warden” at home, surrounded by granddaughters.
“When I’m at home, it doesn’t feel like I’m surrounded by my granddaughters; it feels like I’m a ladies’ hostel warden, surrounded by ladies all around. I keep wishing and telling (Ram) Charan, at least this time, have a boy so that our legacy continues, but his daughter is the apple of his eye. I’m scared that he might have a girl again,” he said.
The remarks have received significant backlash on social media, particularly from women who criticised his focus on a male heir to carry forward the family’s legacy. Many argued that such statements, especially from a respected public personality, reinforce outdated gender biases.
Chiranjeevi has three grandchildren from his daughters, Sreeja and Sushmita, and became a grandfather again in June 2023 when his son, Ram Charan, and wife, Upasana, welcomed their daughter, Klin Kaara. While some defended the comments as harmless, others called for greater awareness about gender sensitivity in public discourse. Chiranjeevi has yet to respond to the criticism.
Meanwhile, the actor is currently working on his upcoming film Vishwambhara, directed by Mallidi Vassishta.
