Chiranjeevi has caused a stir in the Telugu film industry after making controversial comments about the infamous casting couch. While speaking at a success event for his movie Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu on January 25, 2026, the veteran actor argued that Tollywood doesn’t have a widespread problem with sexual exploitation. Instead, he suggested that a person’s experience depends mostly on how they carry themselves.
His remarks have led to a lot of heat on social media, with many people saying he is blaming victims for the harassment they face. During the event, the actor said the industry acts as a mirror for an individual’s behaviour. According to The News Minute, he told the crowd, “This industry is like a mirror. Whatever you show, it projects it back. If you behave professionally, the opposite person responds in the same way.”
His take on personal responsibility
Chiranjeevi argued that women who set clear boundaries don’t usually run into these problems. India Today reported his specific claim: “There is no casting couch culture as such; it depends on the individual. If you are strict and sincere, no one would take advantage of you.” He went on to say that the bad experiences some people report are often due to their own lack of professional boundaries. He said, “I believe it is because of your fault,” when talking about those who have faced these issues.
He backed up his point by talking about his daughter, Sushmita Konidela, who worked on his latest film as a costume designer. He mentioned that she has done well without facing such trouble. He also pointed to the daughters of producer Ashwini Dutt, Swapna and Priyanka Dutt, as examples of women who succeeded by keeping things professional.
The reaction and past comments
A lot of people are pushing back against these statements. Critics say he is ignoring the real stories told by actors like Sri Reddy and Anushka Shetty, who have talked openly about the casting couch in the past. They argue that calling harassment a choice ignores the unfair power balance that often traps newcomers in bad spots.
This isn’t the first time the actor’s views on women have come under fire. Just last February, he was criticized for saying he wanted a grandson to keep the family legacy alive. He also joked that his home felt like a “ladies’ hostel warden” because he was surrounded by granddaughters. As the current debate continues, many in the industry are pushing for a better way to handle workplace safety that doesn’t just place the blame on the victims.