Actor Sivaji's Dressing Remarks Ignite Firestorm: Apology, Inquiry, and Backlash

Actor Sivaji's Dressing Remarks Ignite Firestorm: Apology, Inquiry, and Backlash

Telugu actor Sivaji ignited a firestorm of controversy on December 22, 2025, during the pre-release event of his upcoming film Dhandoraa, where he made remarks perceived as moral policing women's attire. Praising the female host for wearing a saree, he suggested that women, especially actresses in public spaces, should dress modestly to avoid harassment, dismissing modern outfits as mere "display" and using derogatory language that many labeled sexist. His comments appeared to reference the recent mobbing incident involving actress Nidhhi Agerwal at Lulu Mall, where she wore a sleeveless dress and faced an overwhelming crowd, leaving her embarrassed—an event that heightened debates on women's safety.

Backlash erupted swiftly across social media, the Telugu film industry, and women's rights groups, with figures like Prakash Raj calling the remarks "highly objectionable" victim-blaming, and Janasena leader Nagababu questioning Sivaji's authority to dictate women's clothing, attributing crimes to patriarchal mindsets rather than attire. Ram Gopal Varma also slammed him harshly, while anchors like Anasuya and singer Chinmayi joined the chorus of criticism, amplifying calls for accountability.The Telangana State Commission for Women took suo motu cognisance on December 23, summoning Sivaji for inquiry amid accusations that his words defamed women.

Sivaji responded quickly with a video apology on X, regretting his "unparliamentary words" but standing by his intent to highlight safety concerns inspired by the Agerwal incident, insisting he respects women and draws from his advocacy for farmers and youth. On December 27, he appeared before the Commission for a four-hour inquiry, issuing an unconditional written apology, withdrawing all remarks entirely, and pledging to speak and behave with dignity toward women while promising reforms in his films. He later told media he would refrain from such public advice.

The saga extended when YouTuber Anvesh's vulgar retort targeting Hindu deities and epics like Ramayana in response to Sivaji drew its own complaints from Vishwa Hindu Parishad, but the core debate raged on gender norms, celebrity responsibility, and victim-shaming in India's evolving social landscape. As of late December 2025, Sivaji's Dhandoraa promotion continues amid lingering online divides, with supporters viewing his words as protective concern and detractors decrying regressive patriarchy.This episode underscores the tightrope celebrities walk in commenting on sensitive issues, sparking broader conversations on public conduct and women's autonomy in Telugu cinema circles.

Timeline of events in the Shivaji controversy

The controversy erupted on December 22, 2025, when Telugu actor Sivaji made remarks at the Dhandoraa pre-release event, praising the host's saree and advising actresses to wear modest clothing like sarees to avoid harassment, using words many deemed derogatory and victim-blaming, linked to Nidhhi Agerwal's recent Lulu Mall mobbing.

Immediate backlash followed on December 22, with social media outrage from netizens, celebrities like Ram Gopal Varma, Anasuya, Chinmayi, Prakash Raj, and Janasena's Nagababu condemning the comments as sexist moral policing.

Sivaji issued a video apology on X later that evening, December 22, regretting "unparliamentary words" but clarifying his intent was to promote safety for actresses in public.

On December 23, the Telangana State Women's Commission took suo motu cognizance, issuing a notice summoning Sivaji for December 27 inquiry under the Women's Commission Act for defaming women.

Sivaji doubled down in media interactions on December 23-24, standing by his views, citing Nidhhi Agerwal's incident explicitly, prompting her Instagram response calling it "victim blaming."

The inquiry occurred on December 27, where Sivaji appeared for a four-hour session, submitted a written unconditional apology, withdrew all remarks, and pledged respectful conduct toward women in speech and films.

By late December 2025, the issue lingered online with divided opinions, while a related YouTuber Anvesh's retort sparked separate complaints, but no further official action against Sivaji was reported as of December 31.