Popular singer and voice artist, Chinmayi Sripaada has spoken out strongly following comments by veteran actor Chiranjeevi, who at the success meet of
Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu claimed that the casting couch does not exist and described the industry as a mirror reflecting individual behavior. Chinmayi addressed the widespread harassment women face in the film industry, drawing attention to abuse. She shared examples of aspiring and working artists being pressured for sexual favors, verbally assaulted, or targeted by men, highlighting how professional commitment is often taken as personal 'adjustment'. Chinmayi also recounted her own experiences of molestation, calling out lyricist Vairamuthu.
After Chiranjeevi’s Casting Couch Comment, Chinmayi Sripaada Speaks Out Against Vairamuthu
Chinmayi Sripaada has posted her views on remarks by veteran actor Chiranjeevi about the existence of casting couch in the industry. During a film event, Chiranjeevi suggested that the casting couch does not exist as a practice, these uncomfortable situations depend on personal attitude rather than just issues. Chinmayi’s response challenged this view, highlighting the problems many women face while trying to navigate challenges in the film industry. In her post on X, Chinmayi highlighted the gap between perception and practical situation, stressing that sexual harassment in cinema industry exists and often disguised under professional terms. Many women are coerced into offering “commitment” beyond their work to secure roles, which translates into being asked sexual favors. She stressed that women from professional or English-educated backgrounds, who might interpret commitment as dedication to work, often encounter shocking violations of consent. According to her observations, men in positions of power believe they are entitled to sexual favors in exchange for career opportunities, a thinking that extends to harassment.
She shared several incidents to indicate the problem, including cases of women being verbally assaulted or threatened when they resisted inappropriate advances. One example described a female musician being harassed in a recording studio and needing to lock herself inside until a senior colleague intervened. Other real incident involved repeat offenders who exploited their influence over young women, sending explicit messages or making unprovoked sexual advances.
Chinmayi also discussed the MeToo movement, writing the problems earlier generations had in understanding or accepting women’s accounts of sexual abuse. She reflected on how even established figures in the industry, sometimes celebrated as feminists, dismissed or criticized women who spoke out, framing their experiences as dishonoring families or spouses.
Chinnayi Sripaada Calls Out Vairamuthu
The singer shared her personal experience with molestation, stating that harassment is never the victim’s fault. She recounted an incident involving a senior lyricist, Vairamuthu revealing that the presence of a parent or mentor does not prevent abuse when entitlement is involved.
In 2018, Chinmayi Sripaada publicly shared that veteran Tamil lyricist Vairamuthu as the person who had sexually harassed her, alleging that he demanded her “cooperation” back in 2005. These revelations came as she led the #MeToo movement in Tamil cinema, bringing the issues of abuse into the spotlight. While Vairamuthu denied the allegations, Chinmayi has reportedly faced professional setbacks, including a ban in the Tamil film industry.
