Director Suraj, who made sexist remarks about in a recent interview, has now apologised. While promoting his latest release Kaththi Sandai, Suraj had said, “If the costume designer comes to me with the heroine’s clothes covering up to the knee, I would strictly order them to shorten the length. I don’t mind even if my heroine is not happy or comfortable, but I insist and get it done. This is because audiences pay money to see the heroines in such clothes.”
Following criticism from actresses as well as social media, Suraj retracted his statements and said he would behave more responsibly in future. Speaking to Silverscreen Suraj said, “I understand that my comments have caused much hurt and disappointment to the actresses I have worked with and the others in the industry. There is nothing I can say except sorry. I am deeply sorry for my behaviour, and will take care in future to act responsibly, and make responsible art.”
Suraj also said that social media had been critical of him ever since his comments were made public. He said, “When the video released itself, I began to get negative reactions. I was having second thoughts about it all along. I am sorry to everyone I offended.”
Recommended
Earlier, actresses Nayanthara and Tamannaah Bhatia slammed Suraj and said he had no right to objectify women. They also said his views did not reflect audience expectations or the views of the industry in general. While Nayanthara said that actresses wore certain clothing only if they were comfortable and the script required it, Bhatia said that it was “very ironic” to hear such comments when a film like Dangal had just released. Both actresses received support on social media for taking Suraj to task for his comments. The interviewers have also dissociated themselves from the video, and said they do not endorse Suraj’s views.