Manchu Manoj has condemned actor Sivaji's utterances at yesterday's event. He described the views as "deeply disappointing", adding that a "civilised society protects women’s rights instead of policing their choices".
Here is the statement by the Mirai actor:
"Policing women's clothing or placing moral responsibility on them is outdated and unacceptable. Respect and accountability should start with individual behavior, not by shaming women for how they dress. Public figures must speak responsibly, especially when their words influence society. Comments like these violate the spirit of Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution of India. Equality, dignity, and personal liberty are non negotiable; women's clothing is not up for public judgment. I unequivocally apologize on behalf of those senior actors whose derogatory remarks have demeaned women and reduced them to objects. Such words do not represent all men. We cannot, and will not, normalize or ignore this behavior. Women deserve respect, dignity, and equality at all times. Silence is not an option, and accountability is essential."
Manoj was recently in the news over David Reddy, his most ambitious release yet. A period drama, it is based on real incidents, while the male protagonist himself is fictional.
