Nayanthara thanks DMK Chief Stalin; Asks Nadigar Sangam ,’Will you set up Sexual Harrasment committee and institute an inquiry?’

Actress Nayanthara has issued a strong statement, registering her protest against the speech delivered by actor Radha Ravi at an event organised by the makers of her upcoming film, Kolaiyuthir Kalam.

The actress, in her statement, thanked DMK Chief Stalin for initiating action against Radha Ravi, by temporarily suspending him from the party.

She also raised the question of whether the Nadigar Sangam would constitute an Internal Complaints Committee as per the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in the Vishaka Case.

She said, “I rarely issue public statements, as I have always allowed my professional work to speak for itself. However, desperate times mandate desperate measures. Today, I am compelled to issue a detailed statement so as to clarify my own position and also to champion the cause of women who bear the brunt of male insensitivities and sexism.

“First and foremost, it is my bounden duty to place on record my sincere thanks and deepest appreciation to the president of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Thiru M K Stalin for swiftly taking action against misogynistic speeches of Thiru Radha Ravi. My sincere thanks to you sir.

“At the outset, I would like to remind Mr Radha Ravi and the likes of misogynists like him that they were also given birth to by a woman. By demeaning the status of women and passing sexist remarks, these retarded men get a feeling of machismo. I feel terribly sorry for the way they treat women in an opioniated way and my empathy remains with all the women who live in the families of these ‘macho’men. As an actor of considerable seniority and work experience, Mr Radha Ravi should have led the younger generation by example, instead he has chosen to take up the role of an misogynist ‘role model’. These are troubled times for women as women are establishing themselves predominantly in every field of public life and asserting their due place in this era of meritocracy. When actors like Mr Radharavi fall out of business and become irrelevant, they tend to rely on cheap popularity tactics in order to grab some limelight.

“What remains ghastly shocking about his male chauvinistic speeches are that he never ceases to get applause and laughs from some members of the audience. As long as the audience encourage sexist remarks, speakers like Mr Radha Ravi will continue to thrive on misogyny and cracking of denigrating jokes against women. I strongly urge well intentioned citizens and my beloved fans to deeply discourage the behaviour of the likes of Mr Radha Ravi. Not withstanding the aforesaid advisory, through this statement, I would like to strongly register my condemnation and protest against the derogatory speeches made by Mr Radha Ravi against women and children in general and me in specific.

God has been amply kind in giving me wonderful professional opportunities and the affectionate movie-goers of Tamil Nadu have amply rewarded me for my good performances. Irrespective of all negative remarks and aspersions cast upon me, I shall continue to take up the multifaceted roles of Sita, ghost, Goddess, friend, wife, lover so on and so forth with the sole intention of providing maximum entertainment to my fans.

Lastly, my humble question to the South Indian Artistes’ Association : Willyou set up the Internal Complaints Committee as per the Honorouble Supreme Court’s dictum and commence an internal inquiry as per Vishaka Guidelines???

“Once again, thanking all the good hearts that have stood by me yet again supporting me through this little phase of negativity.

“Now, getting back to work! With God’s grace and your unconditional love as always,

Signed Nayanthara”