In a recent success meet for the film ‘Manashankara Varaprasad’, megastar Chiranjeevi made headlines with his remarks denying the existence of the casting couch in the film industry. His comments drew a swift and pointed response from renowned singer Chinmayi Sripaada, who passionately disagreed with the veteran actor’s perspective. While her response maintained a level of respect for Chiranjeevi, it also highlighted the ongoing issues of exploitation faced by women in the industry.
Chinmayi took to social media to counter Chiranjeevi’s assertion, stating, “The notion that there is no casting couch in the industry is completely false.” She elaborated on the meaning of ‘commitment’ in the film world, which she argued is often misinterpreted. “In English, ‘commitment’ refers to dedication to one’s profession. However, in the film industry, it takes on an entirely different connotation,” she explained. Chinmayi asserted that many women are pressured to compromise their dignity to secure roles, suggesting that the industry is rife with men seeking sexual favors in exchange for opportunities.
Reflecting on the past, Chinmayi distinguished the current climate from that of Chiranjeevi’s era, emphasizing that while women artists were respected and treated as equals during his time, the situation has drastically changed. “In Chiru’s generation, women artists were regarded as friends and family, with mutual respect prevailing. That environment is no longer present,” she lamented. This stark contrast in the treatment of female artists over the decades underscores a troubling shift in the film industry’s culture.
Chinmayi did not shy away from sharing her own experiences of harassment, recalling a distressing incident involving lyricist Vairamuthu. She recounted how he had sexually harassed her in the presence of her mother, stating, “Even though my mother was right there, he still felt emboldened to act inappropriately.” Chinmayi emphasized that she never sought sexual favors in exchange for opportunities, having worked with Vairamuthu purely out of respect for his craft as a legendary lyricist.
In her remarks, Chinmayi also criticized senior actress Shavukaru Janaki, suggesting a lack of understanding regarding the #MeToo movement and its implications. She expressed her frustration over how victims of harassment are often belittled, saying, “The industry is not a mirror; instead, it demands that women offer their bodies to work, with many men expecting such concessions.” Her comments resonate with a larger conversation about the systemic issues women face in the entertainment industry.
Chinmayi’s candid reflections on these pressing issues serve as a reminder that despite the glamor of the film industry, a darker reality persists. Her advocacy for greater awareness and respect for women in the industry is a call to action that challenges the status quo and encourages dialogue about the urgent need for change. As the conversation grows, it is clear that the struggle against the casting couch culture continues, demanding the attention and action of all stakeholders in the film community.
