Sivaji apologizes for derogatory comments on women, says intention was ‘concern for safety’ after Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Niddhi Agerwal’s mobbing incidents

On Tuesday, however, Sivaji explained his intention was to say a “few good words” out of his concern for the safety of women, apparently after actors like Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Niddhi Agerwal were recently mobbed inappropriately at public events. As per Press Trust of India, he clarified his comments were not about all women, but to advise heroines to take due care about how they dress at public events.

“My intention was not to insult anyone. Still, two unparliamentary words came out. My sincere apologies for that,” he said. Assuring that he has utmost respect for women, he said he should’ve avoided using the two wrong, unparliamentary words. “My sincere apologies for hurting sentiments of women in the film industry and if any women feel bad about it,” he added.

After Sivaji made the remarks on Monday, the Commission took prima facie action and sent him a notice, stating that his comments appear to be derogatory to women in general, and more particularly to the women of Telangana. The notice also stated that Sivaji had made the statement deliberately with an intention to defame women in the society.

“As such, this commission has taken suo motu cognizance and accordingly decided to conduct an enquiry under Section 16 (1 (b) of the Telangana Women’s Commission Act, 1998,” the Commission said in the notice. It instructed Sivaji to appear before it personally, and furnish any documents or other support material relevant to the issue by 11 AM on Saturday.

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Sivaji is best known for films like Missamma (2003), Adirindayya Chandram (2005), and Satyabhama (2007). Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, who claimed to not know Sivaji, also took a firm stand and tweeted on Tuesday, “Hey Shivaji whatever you are , if the women in your home are willing to bear a uncouth dirty guy like you , you are welcome to moral police them. With regard to the other women in society or film industry or wherever, you can put your opinions in where they belong.”