Following the derogatory comments made against Lady Superstar Nayanthara by actor Radha Ravi at a film event, a few members of the film industry have come forward to slam him. Among the first to react was Bollywood actor Taapsee Pannu, who has also acted in several Tamil and Telugu films.
“This is disgusting beyond words. Who asked him about casting pre requisites and is he the president of character certificate association? This comes for one of the strongest actresses of the industry,I can only wonder what he might have to say about others,” she tweeted.
This is disgusting beyond words. Who asked him about casting pre requisites and is he the president of character certificate association? This comes for one of the strongest actresses of the industry,I can only wonder what he might have to say about others https://t.co/tFjTZ04gRB
— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) March 24, 2019
Actor and producer Rana Daggubati also showcased his support for Nayanthara and took to Twitter to condemn the comments made by Radha Ravi.
“Just heard some filthy comments from Mr.#RadhaRavi to press about a very fine actor. Your comments sir reflect the "filth in your character" and the "fineness in her many performances" as actor. Such a shame to the community you are!! #RadhaRavi,” he wrote on the social media platform.
Just heard some filthy comments from Mr.#RadhaRavi to press about a very fine actor. Your comments sir reflect the "filth in your character" and the "fineness in her many performances" as actor.
— Rana Daggubati (@RanaDaggubati) March 25, 2019
Such a shame to the community you are!! #RadhaRavi
The issue was first brought to light by singer and dubbing artiste Chinmayi, who tweeted over the weekend and highlighted Radha Ravi’s absolutely appalling remarks against Nayanthara at the trailer release of her film, Kolaiyuthir Kaalam. The actor herself was not in attendance at the event and was allegedly not informed about it either. At the event, Radha Ravi had suggested that Nayanthara was not suited to playing roles like Sita or other goddess roles. "In those days, women who could be worshiped were given such roles, now women who can be called are given these roles," he said.
“Just a reminder that this Radha Ravi banned me from the dubbing union. I haven’t recorded one Tamil song since October 2018. So much is the loyalty for Vairamuthu and Radha Ravi. Or is it because or their political affiliations? Celebrate the molesters and ban the women,” tweeted the singer.
Just a reminder that this Radha Ravi banned me from the dubbing union.
— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) March 24, 2019
I haven’t recorded one Tamil song since October 2018.
So much is the loyalty for Vairamuthu and Radha Ravi. Or is it because or their political affiliations?
Celebrate the molesters and ban the women.
This tweet happened to catch the eye of Bollywood actor Swara Bhasker, who voiced her support for Chinmayi, and reached out to Twitterati to get a proper translation of Radha Ravi’s comments at the trailer launch.
“A sad and distressing reminder of the sickeningly consistent occurrence that women who call out & report sexual harassment at the workplace do so at the cost of their careers.. enough is enough! #TimeToChange #TimesUp Go @Chinmayi may your lovely voice ring loud, clear & true,” said Swara.
A sad and distressing reminder of the sickeningly consistent occurrence that women who call out & report sexual harassment at the workplace do so at the cost of their careers.. enough is enough! #TimeToChange #TimesUp Go @Chinmayi may your lovely voice ring loud, clear & true ❣️ https://t.co/qnRy8WaGcs
— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) March 24, 2019
Others to respond to the issue include popular TV anchor and actor Dhivyadharshini, known as DD, Radikaa Sarathkumar, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, music composer Govind Vasantha, and actor Samantha Akkineni as well.
I have huge respect for hardworking women... I believe only their hard work speaks for them ... #NAYANTHARA ur above all this
— DD Neelakandan (@DhivyaDharshini) March 24, 2019
Nayanthara is one of the few dedicated actors we hav today, have the pleasure knowing her and sharing professional space with her, she is above all this, did not watch full video , but met Ravi today and told him it was not in good taste at all. https://t.co/zTUVSa4fWC
— Radikaa Sarathkumar (@realradikaa) March 24, 2019
Shaming women,making offensive jokes on women (which they think is not offensive) degrading women, using women as eye candy have all bcom a part of this #filmindustry thanks to our previous generations of women n men who didn’t react n instead thought it was ok..this is our state
— varalaxmi sarathkumar (@varusarath) March 24, 2019
Saw a post saying Radha Ravi is a joke. Oh please don't take it light. He ain't a joke. "HE IS VENOM"!!
— Govind Vasantha (@govind_vasantha) March 25, 2019
Sighhh Mr.Radha Ravi the struggle to stay relevant . You’re a sad man and we all feel sorry for you . May your soul or whatever is left of it find peace ✌️. We ll send you tickets for Nayanthara’s next superhit film .. have some popcorn and take a chill pill.
— Samantha Akkineni (@Samanthaprabhu2) March 25, 2019
Nayanthara's partner and director Vignesh Shivn had also slammed Radha Ravi in a series of tweets.
Clueless and helpless cos no one will support or do anything or take any action against that filthy piece of shit coming from a legendary family .. he keeps doing this to seek attention! Brainless !
— Vignesh Shivan (@VigneshShivN) March 24, 2019
Sad to see audience laughing& clapping for his filthy comments!
None of us
Radha Ravi, a member of the DMK, was suspended following the derogatory remarks he made on stage at the event. Furthermore, production house KJR Studios issued a statement that it would not work with the actor on any future productions.
On Monday, Nayanthara herself came forward and issued a statement in which she condemned the misogynistic remarks of Radha Ravi.
“Irrespective of all negative remarks and aspersions cast upon me, I shall continue to take up the multifaceted role of Sita, ghost, Goddess, friend, wife, lover, so on and so forth with the solemn intention of providing maximum entertainment to my fans,” she stated in her letter, winning the respect and admiration of several.
On Monday, Nayanthara herself came forward and issued a statement in which she condemned the misogynistic remarks of Radha Ravi.
“Irrespective of all negative remarks and aspersions cast upon me, I shall continue to take up the multifaceted role of Sita, ghost, Goddess, friend, wife, lover, so on and so forth with the solemn intention of providing maximum entertainment to my fans,” she stated in her letter, winning the respect and admiration of several.