Renu Sudhi, the widow of late mimicry artist Kollam Sudhi, has spoken out against criticism levelled at her by Swapna Suresh, a key accused in the Kerala gold smuggling case. The controversy began after Renu’s Vishu 2025 photoshoot went viral on social media, with Suresh publicly condemning the images for allegedly disrespecting Indian culture.

Responding to media questions, Renu firmly stated that clothing choices are a matter of personal freedom. “I do what I feel comfortable with. No matter what anyone says, I will wear clothes that make me comfortable and do photoshoots. That is my choice. I am also an Indian and a person with personal freedom,” she said.

Suresh had earlier taken to Facebook to criticise Renu’s festive pictures, writing: “Is this the new 2025 Vishu? Please respect our culture... You are not the only woman who is widowed or divorced. Don't put stupid things up for sale. You cannot replace Lord Krishna with strange creations.” Her post drew mixed reactions online, with many rallying in support of Renu.

Renu clarified she had not seen Swapna’s post directly and did not wish to respond to negativity. “At one time, I used to respond to such things. Now I don’t respond to anything. Let’s keep quiet,” she said.

In an earlier interview, Renu had shared her struggles with judgemental attitudes online. “Many wrote that a widow shouldn’t behave like this. I wonder if such attitudes still exist in this day and age. The tradition of Sati was abolished years ago, so why am I being targeted like this?” she said.

She also revealed the mental toll such criticism takes on her. “People quickly call friends to say, ‘Look at what Renu is doing.’ It was my late husband, Sudhi ‘chettan’, who encouraged me to create videos during the TikTok era. Now, I question whether it’s wrong for me to share my life,” she said.

Renu concluded that she will no longer be deterred by social judgement. “Those who judge me offer nothing of value in return,” she said.

The exchange has reignited conversations on personal freedom, cultural conservatism, and the stigma widowed or divorced women still face in public life, particularly in the context of festivals and traditional imagery.