Actor and BJP leader Khushbu Sundar has launched a scathing attack on AIADMK MP C.V. Shanmugam following derogatory remarks made against South Indian superstar Nayanthara. The controversy, which has sparked outrage across Tamil Nadu’s political and cinematic landscapes, began during a public rally in Villupuram focused on women’s safety.

Addressing the crowd, the MP took a swipe at Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s rhetoric regarding fulfilling the dreams of the youth. In a comment condemned as sexist and "cheap," Shanmugam asked:

"The Chief Minister asks us to state our dreams. If I say I want Nayanthara, will he fulfill my dream? If someone says they want to marry Nayanthara, will that dream be made a reality?"

The remarks immediately drew the ire of the South Indian Film Artistes Association (SIAA), which issued a formal protest. Meanwhile, Khushbu Sundar’s powerful social media response on the unruly comment captured public's fury, the actor turned politician slammed MP’s words as an insult to "humanity itself."

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‘Not your punching bag’

In a sternly worded statement, Khushbu emphasized that the identity of a female actor should never be used as a political tool or a punchline. She wrote:

“Women — especially female actors — are not your property, not the subject of your speech, nor a punching bag to be dragged into conversations whenever it suits you.

The name of a female actor is not a tool for cheap jokes, petty insults, or to justify someone's argument. Using a woman's identity to mock others or prove a point only reveals the mindset and upbringing of the speaker.

Enough, this is enough.

Every man in this world was born to a woman. Before you casually express an opinion about a female actor, ask yourself — if that example were your mother, sister, wife, daughter, or someone from your own family, would you speak the same way?

When people make such derogatory remarks, they are not troubling the woman they mention — on the contrary, they are only exposing their own mindset, poor upbringing, and fundamental lack of human decency.

This is not just disrespectful. This is a disgrace to humanity. And remember, respect is never a one-way street. #NariShakti #RespectWomen”

 

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A growing backlash

The incident has placed the AIADMK in a difficult position, as the remarks were made during a rally purportedly intended to discuss women’s protection. Critics have pointed out the irony of a public representative using a high-profile woman’s name to mock political opponents while standing on a platform of "safety."

Criticisms are being directed at C. V. Shanmugam from all corners of society.