Amid a political row over AIADMK MP C. V. Shanmugam’s remarks about actor Nayanthara, actor-politician Khushbu Sundar strongly condemned his comments. Actor Vishnu Manchu also slammed the remark made against the star. Intended as a dig at Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, Shanmugam questioned whether the government would fulfil his “dream” if it involved marrying Nayanthara.
Khushbu Sundar criticises Shanmugam
Khushbu, in a post on X on Tuesday, criticised Shanmugam’s speech, saying women, especially female actors, are not public property. She also called out his upbringing and his use of a woman’s name to make cheap jokes.
Her post read, “Women, especially female actors, are not your property, your talking point, or a commodity for every Tom, Dick and Harry to drag into conversations whenever it suits them. A female actor’s name is not a tool for cheap jokes, petty insults, or to justify someone’s argument. Using a woman’s identity to mock others or prove a point only exposes the mindset and upbringing of the person speaking.”
Questioning whether he would speak the same way about his own family, she said everyone deserves respect. “Enough is enough. Every man in this world is born to a woman. Before you casually comment on a female actor, ask yourself — would you speak the same way if the example was your mother, sister, wife, daughter, or someone from your own family?” she wrote.
“A female actor may be a public figure, but she is not public property. Respect her the same way you would respect any woman in any profession. Dignity should not depend on someone’s profession,” the post added.
Khushbu concluded by saying, “When people make such degrading remarks, they do not embarrass the woman they speak about — they only expose their own mindset, their poor upbringing, and their lack of basic human decency. It is not just disrespectful; it’s a shame to humanity. And remember, respect is never one-way traffic. (sic).”
Vishnu Manchu comments on row
Telugu movie actor Vishnu Manchu also criticised the politician’s remark. He said actors are not political punching bags. “They are individuals with families, dignity, and lives beyond the screen. Public discourse cannot come at the cost of basic respect, especially towards women. Indian culture, at its core, places women as Shakti — to be respected, not reduced to headlines or insults. Let’s do better (sic).”
What did Shanmugam say?
Shanmugam, targeting the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, made the controversial remarks during a protest in Villupuram district against the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. “The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu asks people to share their dreams. If I say I want actress Nayanthara, will he give her to me? If someone says his dream is to marry Nayanthara, will he fulfil it?” he reportedly said.
Meanwhile, DMK leaders also condemned Shanmugam’s remarks, saying former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami should take action against him. They also demanded a public apology.
