Rahul Ravindran sparks debate with remark on thaali: ‘I told Chinmayi it is her choice’
A fresh cultural debate has erupted online after singer Chinmayi’s husband — actor and filmmaker Rahul Ravindran — stated that wearing a thaali after marriage should be a woman’s personal choice. His comment, made during an interview with Andhra Vilas, has now gone viral and triggered heated discussions on gender expectations, tradition and autonomy.
Rahul said he told his wife Chinmayi after marriage that he would never impose the thaali practice on her, adding:
“There is no visible sign of marriage for men — but the expectation that only women should show one is not correct.”
Supporters online are calling his view progressive and necessary for modern relationships. Others argue that cultural markers like the thaali should not be dismissed as they reflect tradition and social identity. The argument has reopened a long-standing question in public discourse — Is wearing a thaali an individual choice, or a cultural obligation?
Rahul’s journey, bond with Samantha
Rahul entered Telugu cinema with Andala Rakshasi and later debuted in Tamil with Moscowin Kaveri, which starred Samantha. While the film did not meet expectations, he later also appeared in Hindi (Jigra) before building a reputation as a director.
Samantha has publicly spoken about his support during her health battle with myositis — describing him not only as a close friend, but as someone who was “like a brother”.
‘The Girlfriend’ releases November 7
Rahul’s next directorial, The Girlfriend, starring Rashmika Mandanna, will release on November 7 in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi. The film features cinematography by Krishnan Vasanth and music by Abdul Wahab. Many fans now expect the women-focused storyline to reflect Rahul’s own progressive social views.
