Actor Shivaji’s comments at the pre-release event of his upcoming film Dandora have triggered a major controversy in the Telugu film industry. The event, held in Hyderabad, witnessed Shivaji making strong remarks about the dressing sense and glamour choices of modern-day actresses, which quickly sparked backlash.
During his speech, Shivaji stated that a woman’s beauty lies in traditional attire like a saree and argued that wearing revealing clothes reduces dignity. He also advised actresses to maintain limits on glamour, citing legendary actors such as Savitri and Soundarya as examples of grace and respectability. However, his remarks did not go down well with many, who felt they crossed the line into moral policing.
The controversy intensified when Shivaji used objectionable words to explain how actresses wearing short outfits are publicly praised but privately judged. Several netizens and industry voices criticized the language he used, calling it insensitive and disrespectful toward women’s personal choices.
Singer Chinmayi was among the first to react strongly, and now anchor and actor Anasuya Bharadwaj has also issued a sharp response. Taking to social media, Anasuya delivered a powerful counter to Shivaji’s comments. “This is our body, not yours. We will live the way we want,” she wrote, asserting women’s right to choose how they dress.
Anasuya emphasized that clothing is a personal choice and that no one has the authority to dictate how women should present themselves. Her response has further fueled an online debate on women’s freedom, individuality, and the need to respect personal boundaries.
As the discussion continues to trend on social media, the incident has once again brought the spotlight on gender sensitivity, freedom of expression, and responsibility while speaking on public platforms within the film industry.
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