‘Okkadochadu,’ the dubbed Telugu film from Tamil ‘Kathi Sandai’ is declared a dud but this hasn’t stopped the film from controversy based promotions. Director Suraaj’s comment on heroines being considered as glamour dolls and should wear skimpy costumes exposing the skin led to heated arguments in South Indian cinema industry.
‘This is 2016 and its very ironic that I had to leave a film like Dangal in middle which is on woman empowerment to tackle this issue. I am very hurt and angered by the comments made by my director Suraaj and I would definitely want him to apologise not only to me but to the entire women in the industry. We are actors and are here to act and entertain the audiences and should not any point be objectified as commodities. I have been working in the South industry for over 11 years and have worn costumes, which I have been comfortable with. It is sad that women in our country are spoken out so frivolously and I would like to tell my audiences that our industry should not be generalised due to commends made by one such individual,’ Tamanna demanded an unconditional apology.
In to time, Suraaj took back his words. ‘I am really sorry for what I spoke. I would like to apologise Tamannah and all the heroines in the industry. My intention was not to show anyone in bad light or hurt their sentiments. I am sorry once again and take back my comments,’ Suraaj said in a statement.
Reacting on the whole controversy, ‘totally unnecessary statement by Dir Suraj. Not jus saying this as general secretary of the artist association but as an actor. Actresses showcase their talent and not their bodies and glad that Suraj has apologised. Tamanna, sorry for what you been through because of this unwanted,’ hero of the film Vishal posted on social media.