CHENNAI: Following veteran actor Radha Ravi’s offensive comments at the trailer launch of Nayanthara’s Kolayuthir Kaalam, the Imaikka Nodigal actor on Monday issued a statement condemning his behaviour.
“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 champion the cause of women who bear the brunt of male insensitivities and sexism,” said Nayanthara, who thanked DMK president MK Stalin for taking swift action and suspending party member Radha Ravi.
She further urged “well-informed citizens” and her “beloved fans” to discourage such sexist behaviour from Radha Ravi and his ilk and added, “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.”
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Noting that “irrespective of all negative remarks and aspersion” cast upon her, she would continue to play “Sita, ghost, goddess, friend, wife, lover, so on and so forth”, she questioned the Nadigar Sangam’s response to misogynistic behaviour.
“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?” she asked.
Speaking to Express, Nadigar Sangam president Nasser said that although an official internal complaints committee had not been formed yet, the association was planning to rope in actors such as Suhasini, Rohini and Revathy to head the committee.
“We are trying to figure out a wholesome solution to the issue and forestall the occurrence of such events by establishing professionalism in the industry. We already make sure that all complaints are addressed immediately following the Vishaka guidelines. We also have a set of psychiatrists to treat the victims,” he said.
Meanwhile, speaking to TV news media, Radha Ravi said, “My comments on Nayanthara have been misinterpreted and blown out of proportion. I do not want to apologise as I strongly believe I’ve said nothing wrong against her.”
Here's the full statement:
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DMK suspends actor
The DMK suspended actor Radha Ravi for his derogatory remarks against actress Nayanthara. It was announced on MK Stalin’s Twitter handle. “The cadre should deliver opinions in a dignified manner. And action would be taken against who overrule,” he said.