Fans call actor’s remarks ‘misogynistic’ and ‘regressive,’ igniting social media debate.
February 12, 2025: New Delhi: Veteran Telugu actor Chiranjeevi has found himself at the center of controversy after his comments about wanting a grandson to carry forward his family’s legacy went viral. The actor, while speaking at the Brahma Anandam pre-release event, joked about feeling like the warden of a ladies’ hostel and expressed his desire for Ram Charan to have a son.
“When I’m at home, it doesn’t feel like I’m surrounded by my granddaughters; it feels like I’m a ladies’ hostel warden, surrounded by ladies all around. I keep wishing and telling (Ram) 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,” Chiranjeevi said.
Chiranjeevi’s remarks immediately sparked backlash on social media, with netizens criticizing his views as outdated and patriarchal. Many fans pointed out that daughters are just as capable of carrying forward a family’s legacy and called out the actor for promoting gender bias.
Social Media Outrage
Fans and netizens reacted strongly to Chiranjeevi’s remarks, calling them misogynistic and disappointing.
- “Very sad use of words by Chiranjeevi garu here. Ammayi ayithe bhayam enduku? (Why fear if she’s a girl?) They carry the legacy forward the same as boys do or even better.”
- “Chiranjeevi is scared his son Ram Charan might have another daughter? In 2025, the obsession with a male heir continues. Disappointing, but not surprising.”
- “Dear Chiranjeevi garu, do you truly mean to suggest that only a male child can carry forward a legacy? Would you be uncomfortable if Ram Charan and Upasana had another girl?”
The backlash comes at a time when gender equality and breaking stereotypes are prominent conversations in the entertainment industry.
Chiranjeevi’s Bond With Granddaughter Klin Kaara
Despite his comments, Chiranjeevi has expressed deep affection for his granddaughter, Klin Kaara, whom Ram Charan and Upasana welcomed in 2023. He was the one who officially announced her name, stating:
“The name ‘Klin Kaara’ signifies a transformative purifying energy that brings about a spiritual awakening. She is the apple of our eye.”
Upcoming Projects
On the work front, Chiranjeevi was last seen in ‘Waltair Veerayya’ and ‘Bhola Shankar’, with the former being a hit while the latter failed to make an impact. He is now gearing up for ‘Vishwambhara’, directed by Vassishta, and an upcoming project with Srikanth Odela.
Meanwhile, Ram Charan is working on his next projects, including Buchi Babu Sana’s sports drama and Sukumar’s upcoming film.
Conclusion
While Chiranjeevi’s intent may have been lighthearted, his comments have reignited discussions about gender biases in Indian society. The notion that a male child is required to carry forward a legacy continues to be challenged by progressive voices, urging a shift in perspective.
Tags:
Chiranjeevi controversy, Ram Charan daughter, gender bias in India, misogyny in film industry, Telugu cinema, Klin Kaara Konidela, Tollywood news, women empowerment, patriarchal mindset, Chiranjeevi backlash, Indian celebrity controversies