Actor Sivaji appears before Telangana women’s panel over remarks

Telugu actor Sivaji appeared before the Telangana State Commission for Women on Saturday (December 27, 2025) in connection with remarks he made about women during a recent film event, after the panel issued a formal notice and summoned him for a personal hearing.

The actor arrived at the Women’s Commission office at 11 a.m. and questioning is currently underway, an official aware of the development confirmed.

The Commission took suo motu cognisance of Sivaji’s comments made at the pre release event of his film Dandora, where he spoke about women’s clothing choices. The remarks went viral on social media and drew criticism, prompting the panel to initiate proceedings.

In an apology video which surfaced on social media, the actor cited Niddhi Agerwal mobbing incident in Lulu Mall in Kukatpally to defend his comments. In the video he stated that he “had to address to clothing issue” after the incident, further attracting sharp reactions from netizens.

In a notice dated December 23, the Commission said the statements appeared to be derogatory towards women in general and women of Telangana in particular, and prima facie suggested an intention to defame women in society. Citing Section 16(1)(b) of the Telangana Women’s Commission Act, 1998, it decided to conduct an inquiry and directed Sivaji to appear in person on December 27 at 11 a.m.

Sivaji reached the Commission’s office in Hyderabad on Saturday (December 27, 2025) and met the panel members. He is understood to have given an explanation on the remarks and the context in which they were made. The Commission will examine his statement before deciding on further action.

The controversy arose after Sivaji, while addressing the Dandora event, advised women, including actors and those in public life, to dress modestly and avoid what he termed revealing outfits, linking such attire to public harassment. The comments were criticised by several groups and public figures.