Chinmayi faces online abuse after husband Rahul Ravindran’s comment on mangalsutra sparks backlash

Chinmayi Sripada

Noted playback singer Chinmayi Sripaada is facing a severe of cyberbullying and online abuse after her husband, actor-director Rahul Ravindran, made a comment about giving his wife the choice to wear or not wear a 'mangalsutra' after marriage.

Rahul, who is promoting his next directorial movie 'The Girlfriend', reportedly shared his perspective on how cultural symbols like the mangalsutra should be a matter of personal choice.

However, the statement sparked outrage among online and some accused the couple of being 'anti-traditions' and 'disrespecting culture.'

What started as a difference of opinion led to targeted trolling, and his wife Chinmayi became the main target of online hate.

Following the growing harassment online, Chinmayi took to X (formerly Twitter) to seek help from the police.

She tagged Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar and the Cybercrime Division, and appealed for strict and quick action against accounts that were spreading abuse and hate speech.

"Rahul said the statement in a context. All of you picked it up and called him and me names. By all, I mean the ecosystem. Do you think the world doesn't see it?" She expressed her disappointment over the growing online toxicity and that disagreement should not
turn into abuse.

The Hyderabad Police has also acknowledged her post, confirming that they had taken note of the issue and would initiate an investigation.

Following this complaint many social media accounts were deactivated.

The entire controversy began when Rahul Ravindran, during his recent interview, said that he had given his wife Chinmayi the freedom to decide whether she wants to wear mangalsutra or not.

Chinmayi is known for her outspoken stance on social issues and gender equality. She has been speaking up against online harassment and was also the key voices during the #MeToo movement in India.