"When actors like Mr.Radha Ravi fall out of business, they rely on cheap popularity tactics to grab limelight" - said Nayanthara in response to Radha Ravi's derogatory comments about her
Lady Superstar Nayanthara has finally broken her silence and issued a strongly worded detailed statement against the misogynistic and extremely sexist comments made by veteran actor Radha Ravi. Recently, Radha Ravi was slammed left, right and centres for his comments about Nayanthara, at a press meet of her film titled Kolayuthir Kaalam. The actress' beau Vignesh Shivan and Chinmayi Sripada among others too came out in support of her.
Radha Ravi not only said that the actress never attends any promotional event, but also made some derogatory comments about Nayanthara's stardom, saying, "Nayanthara is a star now and she's hailed as Lady Superstar. Some even compared her to Puratchi Thalaivar MGR and Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan. They're immortals and it is disheartening to see people include Nayanthara in the list."
He even went on to add, "She can act as a ghost and as Goddess Sita as well. Back in those days, if filmmakers have a Goddess character in the film, they'd go for veteran actress KR Vijaya. But now, anybody can play the role. Paatha udane kumbudravangalayum podalam, paatha udane koopadravangalyum podalam (We can cast those who are respected and those who sleep around). Nayanthara, of late, acts in horror films. If the ghosts see her in person, they'll run away."
A clip from the event in which the actor can be seen making the derogatory comments about the actress, has been going viral on social media.
Watch:
Here's how Nayanthara hit back at Radha Ravi, Read full statement:
1. Nayanthara condemns Radha Ravi's comments iin a strongly worded statement
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Lady Superstar Nayanthara has issued a strongly-worded statement condemning senior actor Radha Ravi's disgraceful speech at the press meet of her long-pending film Kolaiyuthir Kaalam. "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," begins her official statement.
"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," she said in the statement.
2. "When actors like Mr.Radha Ravi fall out of business and become irrelevant, they rely on cheap tactics to grab some limelight”
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“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 me 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,” the statement added.
“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," she pointed out.
3. I strongly register my condemnation and protest against the derogatory speeches made by Mr.Radha Ravi
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"I strongly urge well-intentioned citizens and my beloved fans to deeply discourage the behavior of the likes of Mr.Radha Ravi. Notwithstanding 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 multi-faceted roles of Sita, ghost, Goddess, friend, wife, lover, so on and so forth with the sole intention of providing maximum entertainment to my fans."
4. "Humble question to Nadigar Sangam - Will you set up a Committee and commence an internal inquiry as per Vishakha Guidelines?"
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Nayanthara also requested Nadigar Sangam to set up the Internal Complaints Committee. "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 VishakhaGuidelines???”
She concluded saying, “Once again, thanking all the good hearts that have stood by me yet again supporting me through this little phase of negativity! Now, Getting back to work! With God’s Grace and your unconditional Love as always!”
