Niddhi Agerwal has responded to actor Sivaji's comments linking her attire to a mobbing incident she experienced at a public event in Hyderabad. Sivaji's remarks, made during a pre-release event for his film Dhandoraa, suggested that actresses should dress more modestly to avoid harassment, citing Agerwal's recent experience at Lulu Mall as an example.

On December 17, 2025, Agerwal was promoting her upcoming film, The Raja Saab, when she was surrounded by a large crowd and faced difficulty getting to her car. Videos of the incident circulated on social media, showing Agerwal visibly shaken. Sivaji commented on the incident, stating that actresses should dress in sarees or other modest attire, further adding that people might consider her a "wretched woman" if she does not dress that way. He also said, "Clothes that show your assets don't do anything".

Sivaji's statements drew immediate backlash, with many accusing him of victim-blaming. Critics argued that his comments shifted the responsibility for harassment from the perpetrators to the victims.

Agerwal responded to Sivaji's remarks via her Instagram story, posting a picture from the event with the caption, "Blaming the victim is called manipulation". While she did not directly name Sivaji, her message was widely interpreted as a rebuke of his justification for his comments.

Sivaji issued an apology after the initial wave of criticism, acknowledging that his choice of words was inappropriate. He maintained that his intention was to express concern for the safety of actresses and the potential impact of viral videos. He cited actresses like Ramya Krishna and Vijayashanthi as examples of those who inspired through their elegance in sarees. Addressing the media, Sivaji admitted to using "unparliamentary words" and apologized, but stood by his statement. He claimed that he was not blaming Agerwal or Samantha Ruth Prabhu, but was simply advising caution.

The Voice of Women, represented by Nandini Reddy, Supriya Yarlagadda, Swapna Dutt, Lakshmi Manchu, and Jhansi, also condemned Sivaji's statements. The organization released a statement criticizing the hypocrisy of an industry that thrives on glamorization while simultaneously engaging in moral policing of women. They questioned the silence surrounding the mobbing incidents involving Agerwal and Prabhu, and criticized the lack of concern for women's safety and dignity.

The controversy has ignited a broader debate about victim-blaming, women's safety, and the responsibility of public figures in shaping social attitudes. Agerwal's response has resonated with many who feel that blaming victims for harassment is unacceptable, regardless of the circumstances. Agerwal's next film, The Raja Saab, is slated to release on January 9, 2026.