Actor Sivaji organised a special press meet on Wednesday to offer a public apology and explain in what context he had made those comments about women's clothing.It may be recollected that the actor in the recent pre-release event of his upcoming film 'Dhandoraa', suggested that women wear traditional attire like sarees to maintain dignity and beauty and should prioritise grace over showcasing their bodies and used derogatory words to air his views. The comments quickly drew sharp criticism from women in the film industry, with women professionals filing a complaint with the Movie Artists Association (MAA) Hyderabad and the Telangana Women's Commission taking cognisance, directing him to appear before the commission at 11 a.m. on December 27, 2025.
Speaking to the media, the actor admitted that his recent comments and actions had created controversy and hurt the sentiments of several people, including his fans, colleagues from the film industry and the general public. Shivaji said he had spoken in anger and frustration, and that some of his words were either taken out of context and also were simply wrong on his part.
He stressed that, after reflecting on the issue and listening to the reactions coming from different sections, he realised he had crossed a line and decided that the first step should be to apologise openly, without any conditions.
During the meeting, he repeatedly said “sorry” and requested people not to misunderstand his intentions, adding that he never wanted to insult anyone personally or target any particular community. He emphasised that the film industry had given him everything and that he would not knowingly damage the reputation of colleagues, producers or technicians who have supported his career. Shivaji also appealed to media houses and social‑media users to stop circulating old clips in a way that fuels more hatred, saying he wanted the controversy to end and for everyone to move on.
At the same time, he clarified his side of the story, explaining what led to his earlier outburst and how certain issues behind the scenes had emotionally disturbed him. The press meet allowed reporters to ask sharp questions, and Shivaji chose to respond to them calmly, trying to show that he was ready to face criticism instead of avoiding it. He said that as a public figure, he is accountable for the impact of his statements, and that he would be more careful in future interviews and live sessions.
For fans watching the live telecast, the apology was positioned as a promise to correct his mistakes and rebuild trust. By choosing a live format rather than a pre‑recorded video or a written note, Shivaji aimed to convey sincerity and transparency, letting the audience see his expressions and immediate reactions as he spoke. Overall, the press meet functioned both as damage control for the controversy and as an attempt by the actor to reset his image by openly accepting fault and asking the public to give him another chance.
This article was authored by Akanksha Sudham, an intern from Deccan Chronicle.
