Singer Chinmayi Sripaada has spoken out strongly after veteran Telugu actor Chiranjeevi stated that there is no casting couch culture in the film industry and that it depends on individuals.
Speaking at a public event in Hyderabad, Chiranjeevi said, “There is no casting couch culture as such. It depends on the individual,” a remark that many felt shifted responsibility onto victims.
Responding through a series of posts on X, Chinmayi rejected this view and said that casting couch practices are very much a reality, especially for women entering the industry.
Drawing from her own experiences and those shared by others, she described the problem as widespread and deeply rooted.
“Casting couch is rampant. Women are refused roles if they don’t offer ‘full commitment’—a word that means something very different in the film industry,” she wrote.
Chinmayi also countered Chiranjeevi’s statement that the industry is like a mirror reflecting who a person is.
“Girls today come from abroad, are well-educated, aware, and still face harassment. So no—the industry is not a mirror that reflects who you are,” she said.
Recounting her own trauma, Chinmayi spoke about being molested by lyricist Vairamuthu when she was very young.
She said the incident had nothing to do with consent or provocation and happened despite her mother being present at the location.
“Men believing they are owed sex in return for giving work are the real problem,” she said, adding that the presence of parents or guardians does not stop predatory behaviour.
She also warned newcomers about how terms are misused in the industry. According to her, women who interpret “commitment” as professionalism often realise too late that some men use it as a demand for sexual favours.
“These men remain in power and expect access to women’s bodies in exchange for work,” she said.
Chinmayi further shared disturbing accounts of other women, including a female musician who allegedly had to lock herself inside a sound booth to escape a sexual assault attempt.
She also referred to repeat offenders who continue to be celebrated despite allegations of harassment, including sending explicit images and making sexual demands.
Reflecting on generational differences, Chinmayi noted that senior stars like Chiranjeevi come from a time when many actors worked within familiar and respectful circles. However, she said the industry today operates very differently and presents far greater risks for women.
She also spoke about the backlash faced during the MeToo movement, pointing out how some senior figures dismissed or insulted women who spoke out, further discouraging victims from coming forward.
Chiranjeevi’s remarks have since drawn widespread criticism online, with many accusing him of minimising the issue and blaming victims instead of acknowledging the systemic problem of sexual harassment in the film industry.
