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Telugu Actor Sivaji Sparks Outrage with 'Misogynistic' Sari Rant

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 3:41 GMT by RepublicWorld

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Telugu Actor Sivaji Faces Backlash After “Misogynistic” Rant on Women’s Dress Code

In a surprising turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the Telugu film community, actor‑turned‑public figure Sivaji found himself at the center of a heated controversy after a string of remarks that critics decried as misogynistic. The actor, known for a string of commercially successful films such as Prasad’s (2019) and Niranjana (2022), made the comments during a live television interview on the popular morning show Morning Vibes – a platform that is often used by Telugu stars to share behind‑the‑scenes anecdotes and personal viewpoints.

What He Said
During the interview, Sivaji claimed that women should wear saris “to cover their ‘saamaan’” – a phrase that has been widely interpreted as a call for women to dress in a modest, traditional manner. In the words of the actor, “In this modern era, women must remember that a sari is a symbol of dignity, and it keeps them safe from unwanted attention.” He went on to add that “a sari is a cultural legacy, and when actresses put it on, they preserve the ethos of our society.” While the actor seemed to emphasize the idea of cultural pride, the comments were framed in a way that many interpreted as patronizing and reinforcing traditional gender norms.

Sivaji also stated that “women who wear jeans, shorts, or other Western outfits are putting themselves at risk.” He described the sari as a “shield” that protects women from “unwanted eye contact” and “shame.” These comments, which he made in front of a live audience and on camera, were recorded and quickly disseminated across social media platforms, where they sparked an intense backlash.

Immediate Reaction
Within minutes of the interview, Sivaji’s remarks were posted on YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook, where a flurry of hashtags such as #SivajiMisogyny, #WomenWearFreedom, and #SivajiBacklash trended. The actor’s own social media accounts were flooded with messages of both support and condemnation. A significant number of fans posted photos of themselves wearing saris in tribute, while others posted images in modern western outfits, accompanied by statements asserting women’s right to choose their attire.

One of the most vocal critics was actress and activist Asha Reddy, who wrote on Instagram: “It’s not a dress code that decides a woman’s safety. It’s our collective responsibility to protect each other, not to shackle them.” The Indian Women’s Association (IWA) also issued a statement calling the remarks “deeply troubling” and accusing Sivaji of perpetuating harmful stereotypes that reduce women to objects that need to be clothed in a specific way for protection.

Industry Response
Within the Telugu film industry, many colleagues and producers weighed in. Producer Ramesh Babu, who has worked with Sivaji on multiple projects, said, “Sivaji is a talented actor, but we must remember that public statements reflect on the entire industry.” Meanwhile, veteran actor and director S. S. Rajamouli tweeted a brief note: “Art should empower, not restrict.” The Tamil‑Telugu film guild sent a formal letter to Sivaji’s management demanding an apology for “the hurt caused to the woman’s community.”

Sivaji himself issued a brief statement via his management team on his official Instagram handle: “I sincerely regret if my words caused offense. My intention was never to harm but to share my perspective on cultural values.” The apology was met with mixed reactions; some fans accepted it, while others called it insufficient, arguing that the actor needed to take stronger steps such as participating in a women’s empowerment campaign.

Broader Context
Sivaji’s remarks came against the backdrop of ongoing debates in India about dress codes and women’s autonomy. While the sari remains a potent symbol of cultural identity, many women argue that forcing them to wear traditional attire to avoid harassment is a form of gendered control. Several recent court cases have addressed the role of clothing in harassment complaints, with judges asserting that the burden of protecting oneself should not fall solely on a woman’s choice of dress.

In the same vein, the film industry has faced criticism for perpetuating patriarchal narratives. A recent survey by the Film Artists Union revealed that 43% of respondents felt that the industry still supports “gendered stereotypes” in scripts and public statements. This incident has reignited calls from activists and film groups for stricter guidelines on how actors represent women on and off screen.

Looking Forward
Sivaji’s controversy underscores the delicate balance actors must maintain between personal expression and social responsibility. While the actor’s apology was swift, many commentators argue that this moment can be used as a catalyst for broader conversation. Industry insiders suggest that studios and production houses should implement sensitivity training for their talent, and that actors should be held accountable for public statements that could perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

The incident also prompted a call for more inclusive representation in media, urging filmmakers to move beyond simplistic notions of “traditional” versus “modern.” Several filmmakers have announced upcoming projects that center on female agency and cultural nuance, aiming to showcase how tradition can coexist with contemporary expression.

Conclusion
Sivaji’s remarks about women’s dressing have sparked a multifaceted debate, touching on issues of cultural identity, gender dynamics, and the responsibilities of public figures. While the actor’s apology has been received with mixed feelings, the conversation has opened a broader dialogue about how society, particularly the entertainment industry, can support and empower women without imposing restrictive norms. As the industry continues to evolve, it remains essential for voices like Sivaji’s to be tempered with an awareness of the diverse perspectives that shape modern India.