Popular Telugu actor and Bigg Boss Telugu 7 runner-up Sivaji has landed in a massive controversy following his recent remarks regarding the attire of female actors in the film industry. Speaking at the pre-release event of his upcoming film Dhandoraa, the actor's comments on "modesty" and "revealing clothes" have been widely condemned as misogynistic and regressive.
The Statement That Sparked the Storm
During the promotional event on Monday, December 22, 2025, Sivaji addressed the female host and the audience, praising the host for wearing a saree. However, he quickly transitioned into a monologue directing how actresses should dress in public.
"I request all heroines not to wear revealing outfits. Please wear sarees or dresses that cover the body fully. Beauty lies in complete attire or a saree, not in displaying physical assets," Sivaji said.
He further claimed that while the public might not openly criticize revealing outfits due to the concept of "freedom," they internally judge women using derogatory terms. He added that "glamour should have limits" and cited legendary actresses like Savitri and Soundarya as the gold standard for grace.
Industry Backlash and "Moral Policing" Allegations
The remarks did not sit well with several industry professionals and social media users, who accused the actor of moral policing.
- Chinmayi Sripada: The singer and activist slammed Sivaji for using "unparliamentary slurs" and "incel language." She pointed out the hypocrisy, noting that the actor himself wears western attire like jeans and hoodies while dictating that women should stick to "Indian culture."
- Anasuya Bharadwaj: The actress-anchor reacted with a pointed social media post stating, "It's my body, not yours," emphasizing that respect is a matter of conduct, not clothing.
- Manchu Manoj & RGV: Director Ram Gopal Varma and actor Manchu Manoj also expressed their disagreement, highlighting that personal freedom should not be subject to public judgment.
Legal and Institutional Action
The controversy has escalated beyond social media debates:
- Women’s Commission Notice: The Telangana State Commission for Women has taken suo moto cognisance of the incident and summoned Sivaji to appear for an enquiry on December 27, 2025.
- MAA Complaint: Over 100 women professionals in the industry reportedly filed a complaint with the Movie Artists Association (MAA), condemning the reinforcement of patriarchal narratives.
Sivaji Issues a Public Apology
Following the intense backlash, Sivaji released a video statement on Wednesday, December 24, apologizing for his choice of words. He admitted to using "unparliamentary language" but maintained that his intention was rooted in a concern for the "safety" and "dignity" of actresses.
"I sincerely apologize for my words... My intention was good, but those two words were not correct. I totally regret it," the actor stated in his apology note.
