TFI Women Demand Action Over Sivaji’s Remarks

More than 100 women professionals working in the Telugu Film Industry (TFI) have written a strong letter to the Movie Artists Association (MAA), expressing serious concern over recent statements made by actor Sivaji during a public press meet for the film Dandora. The women have termed his comments on women’s clothing as regressive, misogynistic, and deeply damaging, especially coming from a senior industry member with public influence.
In their representation, the women stated that Sivaji’s remarks amounted to moral policing of women and reinforced patriarchal attitudes that have no place in a modern creative industry. They also objected strongly to the derogatory Telugu words allegedly used by the actor and pointed out that his statements included explicit physical threats against actresses. According to the signatories, such comments can be viewed as insulting the modesty of women and may attract punishment under BNS Section 509.
The women professionals have demanded an immediate, public, and unconditional apology from Sivaji, warning that failure to do so would compel them to explore legal options. They stressed that policing women’s attire—whether saree or otherwise—is unacceptable and undermines women’s autonomy and dignity.
The letter also highlighted what it described as the industry’s selective silence on women’s safety. Referring to recent incidents where actresses Nidhhi Agerwal and Samantha were allegedly mobbed during public appearances, the women questioned why there was strong moral outrage over women’s clothing choices but muted responses when women faced real threats to their safety. This, they said, exposed a troubling double standard within the industry.
Beyond seeking an apology, the women urged the Movie Artists Association to take concrete and visible action. Their demands include framing a formal code of conduct to prevent sexist and misogynistic statements by members, implementing strong safety protocols for women artists at public events, introducing mandatory gender-sensitization programs for industry stakeholders, and issuing a clear public statement affirming that women’s safety, dignity, and autonomy are non-negotiable.
The letter was issued under the banner of “Voice of Women” and is represented by prominent industry figures including filmmaker Nandini Reddy, producer Supriya Yarlagadda, producer Swapna Dutt, actor Lakshmi Manchu, and actor-anchor Jhansi Laxmi. The women concluded by stating that an industry built on visibility and glamour cannot abdicate responsibility when that visibility puts women at risk, and called on MAA to take a clear, principled stand on the issue.
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