‘Everybody keeps popping out kids like a factory’: Varalaxmi Sarathkumar’s remark sparks backlash

Actor-filmmaker Varalaxmi Sarathkumar has stirred a heated debate online after a blunt comment about having children went viral during promotions for her Telugu directorial debut, ‘S Saraswathi’.

In a candid interview, the outspoken actor argued that people should only have children if they are financially capable of raising them, a remark that quickly triggered strong reactions across social media.

Speaking during the conversation, Varalaxmi pointed out what she called a contradiction in Indian society’s attitude towards sex and family planning. She noted that while conversations about sex remain taboo, the country continues to grapple with a massive population.

“We are in a country where nobody wants to talk about sex, but we are number one in population,” she said, adding that people often complain about financial struggles after having children.

Varalaxmi didn’t mince words while explaining her point. She said many people rush into parenthood without thinking about the long-term responsibilities that come with raising a child.

“Everybody keeps popping out kids like they’re a factory. And then they say they’re facing difficulties. Who asked you to have kids then?” she remarked.

Clarifying that she isn’t against having children, the actor stressed that times have changed and raising a child has become far more expensive than before. According to her, people should plan for children only after achieving financial stability.

She also shared that people sometimes approach her seeking financial help for their children, something she openly questioned.

“Did I give birth to them? Why am I helping you after you’ve made a mistake? Take care of your own child,” she said, adding that she advises people around her to consider marriage and children only when they are ready to support another person financially.

The remark found immediate support from some quarters. Actor Priyamani, who was present during the interview, appeared to agree with Varalaxmi and repeatedly chimed in with “True” while she spoke.

Meanwhile, Lakshmi Manchu also reacted to the viral clip with applause emojis, signalling her support, but once the video began circulating online, the internet quickly split into two camps.

Supporters argued that Varalaxmi was simply voicing an uncomfortable truth about financial responsibility and family planning. Several users praised her for being “honest” and “practical” about the realities of raising children in today’s economy.

However, critics accused the actor of sounding privileged and dismissive of the struggles faced by ordinary families.

Some users argued that financial stability doesn’t always arrive at the ideal time for starting a family, while others said her remarks seemed to suggest that only the wealthy should have children.

One comment described her statement as “exactly what a rich, privileged person would say,” while another pointed out that if financial capability were the only criterion, a large portion of the country would be excluded from having children.

The controversy has now turned Varalaxmi’s promotional interviews into a full-blown online debate about parenting, privilege, and population in modern India.

While the actor hasn’t responded to the backlash yet, the viral clip has already ensured that conversations around ‘S Saraswathi’ are getting far louder, even before the film reaches audiences.