Well-known Director G Suraj's alleged sexist comments against Tamannah Bhatia, the leading lady in his latest film, drew the ire of the actor with co-star Vishal coming in support of her, prompting the filmmaker to issue an apology.
The director reportedly made some "sexist remarks" while talking about Tamannah's costumes in the film, kicking up a controversy with the 'Baahubali' star herself seeking an apology from the filmmaker to all women in cinema industry.
Suraj had just released his latest film 'Kathi Sandai' (The Sword Fight) starring Vishal and Tamannah in lead roles.
"This is 2016 and it is very ironic that I had to leave a film like Dangal in the middle which is on woman empowerment and to tackle this issue. I am very hurt and angered by the comments made by my director Suraj and I would definitely want him to apologise, not only to me but to all women in the industry," she said in a statement on her Twitter page.
Vishal retweeted the statement.
Tamannah went on to say that "we are actors, we are here to act and entertain the audience and should not at 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 about so frivolously and I would like to tell my audiences that our industry should not be generalised by comments made by one such individual," she added.
Vishal, also the General Secretary of the South Indian Artistes' Association, termed Suraj's comments as "totally unnecessary."
"Totally unnecessary statement by Dir Suraj. Not jus sayin dis as gen secy of da artist association but as an actor.Actresses showcase their talent and not their bodies.N glad that Suraj has apologised.@tamannaahspeaks sorry for Wat u bin thru Coz of this.Unwanted," he said in a series of tweets.
In his apology, Suraj said he was "really sorry."
"I am really sorry and would like to apologise to Ms 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," he said in a statement.
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