Telugu cinema veteran Chiranjeevi has stirred controversy with his remarks about wanting a grandson to continue his family’s legacy. Speaking at the Brahma Anandam pre-release event, the actor shared his thoughts on being surrounded by granddaughters at home and expressed his desire for his son, Ram Charan, to have a son in the future.
What did Chiranjeevi say?
Addressing the audience, Chiranjeevi jokingly likened himself to a “warden at a ladies’ hostel” due to the presence of his granddaughters. He went on to say that he hopes Ram Charan and Upasana Konidela have a boy next time, as he wishes for the family’s legacy to continue. “I keep wishing and telling Charan, at least this time, have a boy so that our legacy continues… but his daughter is the apple of his eye. I’m scared that he might again have a girl,” he said.
The remarks have not gone down well with many on social media, with users calling them outdated and reinforcing gender biases.
Fans react to Chiranjeevi’s statement
The internet was divided over Chiranjeevi’s comments. While some defended the actor, saying his words were taken out of context, others strongly criticised the statement. One user wrote: “Crazy how people forget that daughters can carry legacies too. Ever heard of Indira Gandhi or PV Sindhu?” Another commented: “Bro, this ain’t 1970. Legacy is built on achievements, not grandsons.” Some came to Chiranjeevi’s defense, arguing that his words were said in a lighthearted manner. A fan tweeted: “No need to make an issue, madam. He said it in a jovial way and didn’t mean it seriously. He has two daughters and respects them.”
Another user felt the actor was being misunderstood: “He loves the girl child more than the boy! Another Telugu star, Balakrishna, was much worse. He once said that girls are only meant for sex and bearing children. But his daughter now plays a major role in running Heritage Foods.” However, others criticised the larger pattern of such statements. One person pointed out: “This is an unwarranted and indeed reprehensible comment. Politicians, businessmen, and actors think only sons can carry their legacy. That’s very sad.”
Chiranjeevi’s bond with Klin Kaara
Despite the controversy, Chiranjeevi has previously expressed deep affection for his granddaughter, Klin Kaara, who was born in June 2023. At the time, he proudly announced her name on social media, explaining its spiritual significance and sharing his excitement about her future.
Chiranjeevi, who was last seen in Bhola Shankar, is currently working on his upcoming project, Vishwambhara, which was initially slated for a Sankranthi release but has been postponed. Meanwhile, Ram Charan, who starred in Game Changer, is gearing up for his next projects with Buchi Babu Sana and Sukumar.
While Chiranjeevi’s comments may have been made in jest, they have sparked a larger conversation about gender perceptions in India, particularly in influential families.
