Khushbu Sundar, Vishnu Manchu slam AIADMK MP over Nayanthara remark: ‘Not political punching bags’

Khushbu Sundar, Vishnu Manchu slam AIADMK MP over Nayanthara remark: ‘Not political punching bags’

• Khushbu Sundar, Vishnu Manchu denounce MP's comment on Nayanthara
• MP Shanmugam's comment sparked backlash and apology
• Calls for respect for women in public discourse

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Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar and actor Vishnu Manchu have strongly condemned controversial remarks made by AIADMK MP C. V. Shanmugam about actress Nayanthara, sparking a wider conversation about respect for women in public discourse.

The controversy began after Shanmugam referenced Nayanthara while criticising Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin during a political protest. His remark, which many found inappropriate, quickly drew backlash across political and film circles.

After Shanmugam received considerable backlash on Tuesday, Khushbu also took to X to slam him, writing, “Women — especially female actors — are not your property, your talking point, or a commodity for every Tom, Dick and Harry to drag into conversations whenever it suits them. A female actor’s name 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 exposes the mindset and upbringing of the person speaking.”

She also questioned if the MP would speak in the same manner about his family, “Enough is Enough. Every man in this world is born to a woman. Before you casually comment on a female actor, ask yourself — would you speak the same way if the example was your mother, sister, wife, daughter, or someone from your own family? A female actor may be a public figure, but she is not public property. Respect her the same way you would respect any woman in any profession. Dignity should not depend on someone’s profession.”

She ended her note by stating that more than embarrassing Nayanthara, Shanmugam’s remark exposes his mindset. “When people make such degrading remarks, they do not embarrass the woman they speak about — they only expose their own mindset, their poor upbringing, and their lack of basic human decency. It is not just disrespectful. It is a shame to humanity. And remember, respect is never a one way traffic. #narishakti #RespectWomen.”

Women — especially female actors — are not your property, your talking point, or a commodity for every Tom, Dick and Harry to drag into conversations whenever it suits them. A female actor’s name is not a tool for cheap jokes, petty insults, or to justify someone’s argument.…

— KhushbuSundar (@khushsundar) March 17, 2026

Vishnu also took to X to pen a note about the controversy, writing, “Reading about the political campaigns in my Tamil Nadu. Felt It’s in extremely poor taste to drag actresses into political narratives. Not just in TN but anywhere. Actors are not political punching bags. They are individuals with families, dignity, and a life beyond the screen. Public discourse cannot come at the cost of basic respect, especially towards women. Indian culture, at its core, places women as Shakti, to be respected, not reduced to headlines or insults. Let’s do better.”

Reading about the political campaigns in my Tamil Nadu. Felt It’s in extremely poor taste to drag actresses into political narratives. Not just in TN but anywhere. Actors are not political punching bags. They are individuals with families, dignity, and a life beyond the… — Vishnu Manchu (@iVishnuManchu) March 17, 2026

What did MP CV Shanmugam say about Nayanthara?

AIADMK MP Shanmugam referred Nayanthara on Tuesday while mocking TN Chief Minister MK Stalin's "Tell us your dream" campaign. "I want Nayanthara, will you fulfil?" he said during a demonstration against the DMK government in Villupuram. Will someone's wish to wed Nayanthara be fulfilled by the Chief Minister? Following criticism, he apologised and explained that his comments were a "mistake" with no "malicious intent." However, a party spokeswoman distanced the AIADMK from the disparaging statement, according to PTI.