'Cover your body fully': Telugu actor Sivaji sparks outrage with shocking lecture to actresses after Nidhhi Agerwal incident; later apologises

The remarks came during a pre-release event of his upcoming film Dhandhoraa, where Sivaji praised a female host for wearing a saree.

Sivaji reportedly said, “I request all heroines not to wear revealing outfits. Please wear sarees or dresses that cover the body fully. Beauty lies in complete attire or a saree, not in displaying physical assets. Freedom is precious—don’t lose it. People will respect you based on your conduct. Glamour should have limits; it should not cross a certain line.”

He also referred to a similar incident involving Samantha Ruth Prabhu, claiming she was “lucky” to be wearing a saree at the time of harassment. Sivaji reiterated his comments on Wednesday, emphasizing that actresses should avoid revealing attire at public events.

When questioned about blaming the mob instead of the victims, he said, “Who will listen? He says he will still talk to her or click pictures. Samantha had the advantage; she was luckily in a saree. Gen Z do not know better, they want to touch artists… I am not blaming Samantha or Nidhhi for it. All I am saying is, they need to be careful.”

Sivaji further stated that men feel entitled to touch actresses in revealing clothing, citing other colleagues such as Sai Pallavi, Anushka, Soundarya, Bhumika, Laya, and Meera Jasmine as examples of actresses who “dress modestly” to avoid provoking such behavior.

Amid growing criticism, Sivaji issued a public apology on X, stating, “The intention wasn’t to demean anyone, but because I used such words, I sincerely apologise.”

Reacting to the comments, Nidhhi Agerwal took to Instagram, writing, “Blaming the victim is called manipulation.”

Nidhhi faced the incident while she was leaving the Lulu Mall attending a song launch event of his upcoming release, The Raja Saab.

A massive crowd surrounded the actress, making it difficult for her to reach her car despite the presence of bodyguards.

Security personnel formed a protective ring around Nidhhi as she struggled to move through the crowd, at one point trying to hold on to her dupatta, before she was swiftly escorted into her vehicle and driven away.

Photo: Screen-grab/Nidhhi Agerwal/Instagram

The Telangana State Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognizance of the matter and has summoned Sivaji on December 27 for further proceedings.