Sanam Shetty hits out at Abhirami for defending Kalakshetra; meanwhile Srinivas responds to Chinmayi

Former Bigg Boss contestant Abhirami Venkatachalam has been at the receiving end ever since she defended the Kalakshetra Foundation, which is mired in controversy after its students made allegations of sexual harassment against some of its teachers. While the students conducted protests against the management seeking justice, many from the film fraternity have come out in support of the students.

However, Abhirami, a former student at Kalakshetra shocked everyone when she defended the institution. While talking to the media, the Nerkonda Paarvai actress stated that there had been no problems in the institution which has been there for 89 years. She added that it was not right to hear only one side of the story.

Sanam Shetty has not lashed out at the actress stating that her statement displayed sheer arrogance and ignorance. She also asked if Abhirami could guarantee the behaviour of all teachers there. Meanwhile, many on Twitter have also called some of her statements casteist and double standard, after having acted in a film like Nerkonda Paarvai, which revolved around sexual abuse.

Abhirami had earlier taken a dig at Chinmayi stating that when abuse happens, one should report immediately and not use hashtags and seek mileage out of it. Chinmayi had then shared on social media that she has been waging a long battle. She wrote, "“Time & again have Women AND men in the industry have directly, indirectly shamed me. When Singer Srinivas, a man I looked up to as a mentor, told someone ‘You all need to understand why she doesnt get support even if her cause is just’ was perhaps the most heartbreaking for me. He & many others, while they are AT IT to rehabilitate & support a known serial offender; + the suggestion given to me ‘Meet (the molester) & Hug it out’.

Singer Srinivas has now responded to Chinmayi stating that he is no one's guru or mentor. He added in his social media post,"Live and let live has been my policy, laughter and music are my greatest companions. I have always got excited at seeing musical talent and over the years, I have tried and done good for many of them." He added that as an artist, he wouldn't allow himself to be violent towards anybody.