NWMI Condemns Misogynistic Comments Made on Women’s Clothing by Telugu Film Actor Sivaji
The Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI), strongly condemns the recent statements made by actor Sivaji during a public promotional event in Hyderabad. His remarks about women actors and women in general, specifically targeting their choice of clothing, were misogynistic, derogatory and deeply regressive.
Such statements are detrimental, instigating and dangerous, all the more so when made by public figures on public platforms. By encouraging the policing of women’s bodies and prescribing “acceptable” ways of dressing under the guise of culture and/or morality, Sivaji’s speech reinforces patriarchal control, normalises misogyny and shifts accountability away from the perpetrators of harassment and violence onto those targeted by such reprehensible behaviour. Such rhetoric does not exist in isolation — it directly contributes to a hostile and unsafe environment for women, particularly those working in the public sphere.
Equally disturbing is the targeted online abuse that followed, especially against women who spoke out against Sivaji’s remarks. We unequivocally condemn the manner in which singer and activist Chinmayi and actor Anasuya have been singled out, vilified and subjected to coordinated online harassment for expressing dissent. Such attacks are not spontaneous; they are a predictable outcome of misogynistic public discourse that emboldens trolls and silences women through intimidation.
We also strongly denounce the role played by certain news channels, digital platforms and YouTubers who have amplified the toxicity by repeatedly airing personal photographs, private videos and sensationalised content on the pretext of “debate”. This unethical coverage not only violates women’s dignity, privacy and safety, but also actively fuels online abuse and mob behaviour.
The cumulative impact of such actions is severe. They deny women actors and media professionals the right to a respectful, safe and dignified working environment, and send a chilling message that endorsing misogyny carries visibility and reward, not consequence.
On Saturday Sivaji appeared before the Telangana State Women’s Commission. It is unfortunate that, despite submitting a formal apology to the Commission, he made it clear to the press that he had only said sorry for the two unparliamentary words that “slipped” into his speech. He neither expressed any remorse for his misogynistic commentary nor acknowledged the negative impact of such victim blaming.
In light of the above developments, the NWMI formally makes the following requests:
- The Government of Telangana must take necessary and immediate cognizance of the incident and initiate appropriate action in accordance with the law.
- The Movie Artists Association (MAA) and other relevant Telugu film industry bodies must publicly acknowledge the gravity of this misconduct by a member and take decisive disciplinary action, reaffirming their commitment to women’s safety, dignity and equality in the industry.
- Mainstream electronic and digital media channels must remove from their feed all objectionable and provocative content and Youtube thumbnails targeting women actors.
As a powerful cultural force, the Telugu film industry must choose to stand up for gender equality and respect and justice for all actors, including women.
It is important to note that, by not condemning such unwarranted, indefensible speech and by not taking action against the individual who made such statements, the film industry is in effect endorsing and encouraging such behaviour. Silence and inaction in the face of such offensive remarks only legitimises misogyny and emboldens further abuse. Accountability is not optional — it is essential.
The Network of Women in Media, India
29 December 2025
