Senior Tollywood actor Chalapathi Rao made derogatory remarks on women at audio release function of the film Rarandoy Veduka Chuddham which stars Naga Chaitanya and Rakul Preet Singh.
The veteran actor was asked ‘Ammayilu Manasanthiki Hanikaram’ by anchor, for which he replied,” Ammayilu hanikaram kadu kani pakkaloki panikostaru”. These dishonourable comments of Chalapathi Rao might have irked the film industry. Some actors, Nagarjuna, Naga Chaitanya, Rakul Preet Singh and Ram condemn the statement. Nagarjuna commented,” I always respect women personally and in my films/I definitely do not agree with Chalapathi Rao’s derogatory comments/dinosaurs do not exist!!(sic)”.
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The remarks recieved widespread criticism in the media. As the controversy began to gain traction, the actors and producers of Rarandoi Veduka Chuddham have condemned Chalapathi while distancing themselves from his remarks.The lead actor, Naga Chaitanya reacted and tweeted,”Respecting women is a way of life for me. The reactions shown on TV weren’t for the statement made. Do I agree with it? Absolutely NOT!”
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The actress Rakul Preet Singh tweeted,” Apologies 4 a late response 2 #ChalapathiRao comments! Wish I understood d exact meanin of it then. I condemn it n my off stmnt will be out soon.” However, Chalapathi Rao issued a statement accusing the media,”I didn’t mean to hurt anyone. If I had hurt your feelings, I am sorry. But, I was angry when they asked me if ‘girls are harmful’? Do we sleep with snakes? No. That’s why I said woman are harmless and that’s why we sleep with them. I don’t even understand what’s wrong in that. Some channel, that does not know Telugu, reported it and others are spreading it like cancer. I will never insult a woman. I will always treat women with respect like mothers and sisters.”