Actor Divyabharathi has publicly accused Telugu director Naresh Kuppili of repeatedly using sexist language on the sets of the Telugu film GOAT. In a detailed social media post, she shared that the director referred to her as ‘Chilaka’, a term which, while meaning ‘bird’ in Telugu, is often used derogatorily towards women.
Divyabharathi’s post highlighted that Naresh Kuppili also implied she was suitable only for the role of a “second lead actress.” She wrote:
“Calling women ‘Chilaka’ or any other term isn’t a harmless joke—it’s a reflection of deep-rooted misogyny. And this wasn’t a one-off incident; this director followed the same pattern on set too, repeatedly disrespecting women and betraying the very art he claims to create.”
The actress also posted screenshots of the conversation, which quickly went viral, drawing attention from fans, industry professionals, and social media users.
Questions Co-Star Sudigali Sudheer’s Silence
Divyabharathi expressed disappointment with her GOAT co-star Sudigali Sudheer for not intervening during these incidents. She stated:
“What disappointed me most was seeing the hero stay silent, allowing this culture to survive one more day. I choose better. I choose workspaces where women aren’t targets for mockery, where every voice matters, and where respect is non-negotiable.”
Responding to critics who accused her of frequently getting into conflicts, Divyabharathi clarified:
“I’ve worked repeatedly with the same team, actors, and crews in Tamil cinema with zero conflicts. Only this one director crossed lines and made disrespectful comments. He chose to make it public, and I have every right to respond.”
Background on GOAT Controversy
Reports suggest that the issues between Divyabharathi and Naresh Kuppili began after he was removed from the GOAT project following internal disagreements. A new director was brought in by the producer, and since then, Naresh reportedly posted indirect remarks about Divyabharathi on social media.
The actress emphasized that her criticism is not just about one remark but highlights a broader pattern of disrespectful behavior she experienced on set.
Divyabharathi is currently working on the Tamil film Madhil Mel Kaadha and the upcoming web series Lingam.
