In a fiery rebuke, director Ram Gopal Varma has lashed out at actor Sivaji for his recent comments on women's dressing. The controversy erupted following Sivaji's remarks at the pre-release event for the film "Dhandora", where he criticized modern actresses for their clothing choices, suggesting that "modesty lies in traditional attire".
Varma, known for his outspoken nature, didn't hold back in his response, branding Sivaji as "a uncouth dirty guy". "Hey Shivaji whatever you are, if the women in your home are willing to bear a uncouth dirty guy like you, you are welcome to moral police them," Varma stated, taking a direct and personal tone. He further asserted that Sivaji's opinions were unwelcome and should be kept to himself, particularly concerning women in the film industry and society at large. "With regard to the other women in society or film industry or wherever, you can put your opinions in where they belong," Varma added.
Sivaji's initial comments sparked widespread outrage, with many accusing him of moral policing and sexism. He had lamented the perceived decline of traditional values, particularly in the context of women's fashion, and used offensive language while addressing the issue. Singer Chinmayi Sripada was among the first to condemn Sivaji's words, calling him out for using slurs and questioning his entitlement to dictate women's choices. She specifically criticized his use of derogatory terms and pointed out the hypocrisy of Sivaji preaching tradition while himself wearing jeans and hoodies.
The backlash against Sivaji's comments extended beyond Chinmayi, with actress Anasuya Bharadwaj also voicing her dissent. Manchu Manoj also weighed in, reminding everyone of the constitutional rights that guarantee personal freedom and stating that no one has the right to judge women based on their attire. He called it shameful for a senior actor to make such comments.
Varma's strong reaction has further amplified the controversy, turning it into a major talking point within the Telugu film industry and beyond. His intervention adds another layer to the debate, focusing on the importance of respecting individual freedom and challenging the notion of imposing moral standards on others.
This isn't the first time Varma has found himself embroiled in controversy. Known for his provocative statements and unconventional filmmaking style, he often courts controversy and uses social media to express his views, regardless of the potential fallout.
The incident raises important questions about the responsibility of celebrities and the fine line between expressing personal opinions and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. As the debate continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Sivaji will respond to the criticism and whether this incident will lead to a broader discussion about sexism and moral policing in the film industry.
