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Chiranjeevi claims ‘no such thing as casting couch’; criticised for dismissing the issue

The actor made the remarks, while speaking at the success meet of his recent release Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu. 

South First Desk

Published Jan 27, 2026 | 5:44 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 27, 2026 | 5:44 PM

Chiranjeevi

Chiranjeevi. (Screengrab)

Senior Tollywood actor Chiranjeevi recently claimed that “there is no such thing as casting couch”, in the Telugu film industry.

The actor made the remarks, while speaking at the success meet of his recent release Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu. 

Chiranjeevi speaking about his daughter and film producer Sushmita Konidela said, “If the children were to succeed in this industry, may it be a woman or man, they have to be supported, and encouraged.”

Further speaking about the film industry, he claimed, “Film industry is a good place to work. If someone has a bitter experience, I believe personal choices also play a role. When you are strict and sincere about your profession, no one can take advantage of you. There is no casting couch culture as such, it depends on the individual’s behaviour.”

Depending on your insecurities, one might think, ‘Maybe I should behave in a certain way’, but don’t be like that. You behave professionally, other person will reciprocate. The industry is like a mirror it reflects who you are.”

Also Read: When Telugu megastar does a cameo at WEF

‘Casting couch is rampant’

His remarks soon attracted criticism. Singer Chinmayi Sripaada took to X, to counter Chiranjeevi’s views.

Further explaining Chinmayi wrote: “Women are refused roles if they don’t offer ‘full commitment’ – a word that means completely different in the film industry.

If you come from an English educated background and believe ‘commitment’ means ‘professionalism’, showing up to work and being committed to your craft – you’ll be wrong.

Men remain in positions where they believe they are entitled to, and WILL demand and expect sexual favours from women.”

She added, “I know of a _______ who attempted to sexually assault a female musician in a studio; she locked herself in the sound booth until she was rescued by another senior in the industry. She quit that space after that.

And of course we have repeat offenders like this male Singer who’ll be platformed without any remorse by the audiences – he misbehaved with, sent genitalia photos, and asked for blowjobs without ANY triggers just because he thought he can. The abuse and sexual harassment of girls is a rampant issue.”

Speaking of the MeToo movement, she added, “Legendary Chiranjeevi garu comes from a generation where they all were friends or even family friends with their female co artistes, mutually respected each other, worked with legends, and they are all legends themselves.”

“The MeToo movement was something a whole generation of people couldn’t comprehend, with ladies like Sowcar Janaki even insulting women who outed their molesters.”

Netizens criticism 

A user reacting to the comments, said on X, “This is literally so sad coming from a person whose roots were not from cinema background. He is putting the entire blame of casting couch on the victims who came out and spoke?”

Another user wrote: “This is exactly how privilege works. Look at him at the age of 70years talking about problems him & his family never faced about. And, look at the woman ( his daughter ) behind him clapping as if he’s motivating or showing his support to the upcoming actors.”

Reacting sharply, another user wrote: “Accusing the victims of sexual exploitation and backing the abuse of power in already established hierarchy, wow. This industry is rotten irrevocably, your son’s movie’s choreographer is a pedophile. You don’t deserve daughters.”

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