HYDERABAD: Thespian Chiranjeevi was trolled Wednesday and accused of “sexism” and “misogyny” over what he said was a lighthearted remark about wanting his actor son Ram Charan Tej – father to a daughter – to have a male child next “to carry on the family legacy”.
A video of Tuesday’s pre-release film event where Chiranjeevi spoke of being “scared that he (Ram Charan) might have a girl again” ignited the controversy, putting the Telugu superstar in the crosshairs of social media users and celebrities like YSR Congress Party functionary and TV anchor Shyamala. “Can’t a daughter carry forward the family legacy? Should it only be the son?” Shyamala wondered.
She pointed out that Upasana, Ram Charan’s wife, was a successful person in her own right and “a strong example” of upholding the family legacy.
Shyamala said the elder of Chiranjeevi’s two daughters, Sushmita, was a film producer and costume designer for her. Sushmita, and the actor’s younger daughter Sreeja have two daughters each.
The hashtag #ChiranjeeviMisogynyUnmasked trended on social media, with many expressing disappointment over his remarks. “It’s disheartening to see people in this modern era still believing that only boys can inherit their legacy,” he said. “Regressive thinking,” another declared, backing calls for the actor to return his Padma Vibhushan award.
It all started with a media question to Chiranjeevi after a picture of him with his granddaughter was highlighted at the pre-release event for the film Brahma Anandam. “Being at home, I sometimes feel like a hostel warden, surrounded by ladies all around,” said the 69-year-old actor.
“There are many girls in my family. I wish Ram Charan has a son, but his daughter is the apple of his eye.”
Chiranjeevi’s family didn’t respond to the outrage until late Wednesday.
