Nayanthara reacts on Radha Ravi's misogynist comments as celebrities fume, he says his statements were ‘misinterpreted’

Veteran actor Rha Ravi faced ire of celebrities from South film industry and Bollywood for his misogynist comments against Nayanthara. actress slammed him for being a 'misogynist role model' and called his comments a 'cheap popularity tactic' while former claimed that y were ‘misinterpreted.’ 

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Rha Ravi at trailer launch of Nayanthara’s film ‘Kolayuthir Kaalam’ (in her absence) on Saturday, said, “Nayanthara acts as a ghost, and n she goes on to act as Sita as well. She acts as Sita! Earlier, to play role of a goddess, y would look for [someone like] KR Vijaya. w, anyone can be cast to play a goddess. y can cast someone who you want to pray to when you look at m, y can also cast someone you want to call towards you when you see m!” 

While stars galore fumed at his comment, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) suspended him for his comments. 

In her statement, Nayanthara said she rarely issues public statements but h to do so, in this case, to ‘champion cause of women who bear brunt of male insensitivities and sexism.’ actress started by thanking DMK President MK Stalin for party’s decision.

'Viswasam' star slammed Rha Ravi for his comments by reminding him he h also taken birth from a woman. She expressed shock at such ‘male chauvinistic speeches’ being cheered on by audiences and expressed empathy with women of such families and those who've been at a receiving end of such misogyny and denigrating jokes.

Calling him a 'misogynist role-model', Nayanthara stated that 'actors like him y tend to rely on cheap popularity tactics in order to grab some limelight' when y become 'irrelevant.' She concluded by asking  South Indian Artistes’ Association when Internal Complaints Committee would be set up and when internal inquiry as per Vishakha Guidelines would be commenced. 

Here’s Nayanthara’s full statement: 

“I rarely issue public statements, as I have always allowed my professional work to speak for itself. However desperate times mandate desperate measures. So today, I am compelled to issue a detailed statement to clarify my own position and also to champion cause of women who bear brunt of male insensitivities and sexism. 

First and foremost it my bounden duty to place on record my sincerest thanks and deepest appreciation to president of DMK Thiru MK Stalin for swiftly taking action against misogynistic speeches of Thiru Rha Ravi. My sincere thanks to you sir. 

At outset, I would like to remind Rha Ravi and likes of misogynists like him that y were also given birth by a woman. By demeaning status of women and passing sexist remarks se retarded men get a feeling of machismo. I feel terribly sorry for way y treat women in an opinionated way and my empathy remains with all women who live in families of se 'macho' men. 

As an actor of considerable seniority and work experience, Mr.Rha Ravi should have led younger generation by example, inste, he has chosen to take up role of a misogynist 'role-model'. 

se are troubled times for women, as women are establishing mselves predominantly in every field of public life and asserting ir due place in era of meritocracy. When actors like Mr. Rha Ravi fall out of business and become irrelevant y 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 audience. As long as  audience encour sexist remarks, speakers like Mr Rha 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 discour  behaviour of likes of Mr Rha Ravi. t withstanding  aforesaid visory, through this statement I would like to strongly register my condemnation and protest against  derogatory speeches me by Mr Rha Ravi against women and children in general and me in specific. 

God has been amply kind in giving me wonderful professional opportunities and affectionate movie-goers of Tamil Nu have amply rewarded me for my good performances. Irrespective of all negative remarks and aspersions cast upon me, I shall continue to take up multifaceted role of Sita, ghost, Goddess, friend, wife, lover, so on and so forth with solemn intention of providing maximum entertainment to my fans. 

Lastly, my humble question to South Indian Artistes’ Association (Nigar Sangam):- Will you set up Internal Complaints Committee as per hon’ble Supreme Court’s dictum and commence an internal inquiry as per Vishakha Guidelines??? 

Once again, thanking all good hearts that have stood by me yet again supporting me through this little phase of negativity.” 

Meanwhile, in an interview following controversy, Rha Ravi said actress is his ‘good friend’ and he’d apologise to her if ‘she is hurt’. He ded that his statements were ‘misinterpreted.’ 

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Nayanthara's rumoured boyfriend, filmmaker Vignesh Shivan, expressed his displeasure in kind words.

Earlier, from Kamal Haasan to Taapsee Pannu, many stars h expressed disgust over comments. 

Haasan said at a media interaction, “Being an actor himself, he shouldn’t have degred a fellow actress. It’s very disappointing because it’s a prime duty even for an ordinary man to treat women with respect. Hope concern people condemn him.” 

Here’s what or stars h tweeted in condemnation of Rha Ravi.