Following Radha Ravi’s derogatory speech at the trailer launch of Nayanthara’s horror film Kolaiyuthir Kaalam, the movers and shakers of Kollywood have expressed their outrage over the veteran actor’s crass speech. Singer Chinmayi and actor Radikaa Sarathkumar (also Radha Ravi’s sister) have taken it to social media to express how upset they were over the misogynistic affair.
Nayanthara finally broke her silence with an official statement that thanked the DMK for their action against Radha Ravi and also questioning the Nadigar Sangam if they would set up the Internal Complaints Committee as per the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s dictum.
The statement read:
“I rarely issue public statements, as I have always allowed my professional work to speak for itself. However desperate times mandate desperate measures. Today, I am compelled to issue a detailed statement so as to clarify my own position and also to champion the cause of women who bear the brunt of male insensitivities and sexism.
First & foremost , it is my bounden duty to place on record my sincere thanks and deepest appreciation to the President of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Thiru.M.K.Stalin for swiftly taking action against misogynistic speeches of Thiru.Radha Ravi. My sincere thanks to you sir.
At the outset, I would like to remind Mr.Radha Ravi and the likes of misogynists like him that they were also given birth by a woman. By demeaning the status of women and passing sexist remarks, these retarded men get a feeling of machismo. I feel terribly sorry for the way they treat women in an opinionated way and my empathy remains with all the women who live in the families of these ’macho’ men. As an actor of considerable seniority and work experience, Mr.Radha Ravi should have led the younger generation by example, instead he has chosen to take up the role of a misogynist ‘role model’. These are troubled times for women, as women are establishing themselves predominantly in every field of public life and asserting their due place in this era of meritocracy. When actors like Mr.Radha Ravi fall out of business and become irrelevant, they tend to rely on cheap popularity tactics in order to grab some limelight.
What remains ghastly shocking about his male chauvinistic speeches are that he never ceases to get applause and laughs from some members of the audience. As long as the audience encourage sexist remarks, speakers like Mr.Radha Ravi will continue to thrive on misogyny and cracking of denigrating jokes against women. I strongly urge well intentioned citizens and my beloved fans to deeply discourage the behaviour of the likes of Mr.Radha Ravi. Not withstanding the aforesaid advisory, through this statement I would like to strongly register my condemnation and protest against the derogatory speeches made by Mr.Radha Ravi against women and children in general and me in specific.
God has been amply kind in giving me wonderful professional opportunities and the affectionate movie—goers of Tamil Nadu have amply rewarded me for my good performances. Irrespective of all negative remarks and aspersions cast upon me, I shall continue to take up the multifaceted roles of Sita, ghost, Goddess, friend, wife, lover, so on and so forth with the sole intention of providing maximum entertainment to my fans.Lastly, my humble question to the South Indian Artistes’ Association (Nadigar Sangam):— Will you set up the Internal Complaints Committee as per the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s dictum and commence an internal inquiry as per Vishakha Guidelines???
Once again, thanking all the good hearts that have stood by me yet again supporting me through this little phase of negativity!”
Since the incident took place, DMK has suspended his party membership.
The South Indian Artistes Association (popularly referred to as the Nadigar Sangam) has issued a warning to Radha Ravi for his actions. In a statement, actor Nasser, the president of the Nadigar Sangam wrote, “You have been making misogynist remarks and speeches laden with double entendres for years in your interviews, on the stage and at film events… Why haven’t you realised that such action puts the industry, the artistes and the women working in it, to shame, and creates mental stress? All said and done, we hope you will avoid such crass speeches in the future. If not, the Nadigar Sangam will seriously consider about extending you any cooperation”.
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