Veteran Telugu actor Chiranjeevi has found himself at the center of controversy following his recent remarks at the pre-release event of Brahma Anandam. The superstar’s comments, which many deemed sexist and outdated, revolved around his wish for his son, actor Ram Charan, and daughter-in-law, Upasana Kamineni, to have a baby boy. He candidly admitted feeling "scared" that their second child might also be a girl.
What Chiranjeevi said
While addressing the audience at the event, Chiranjeevi stated, “When I’m at home, it doesn’t feel like I’m surrounded by my granddaughters; it feels like I’m a ladies’ hostel warden, surrounded by ladies all around. I keep wishing and telling (Ram) Charan, at least this time, have a boy so that our legacy continues, but his daughter is the apple of his eye… I’m scared that he might again have a girl.”
Netizens slam Chiranjeevi
His remarks did not sit well with many, sparking widespread criticism on social media. Users condemned the actor for his regressive views on gender, arguing that such statements reinforce outdated patriarchal norms.
One social media user expressed disappointment, writing, “Chiranjeevi is scared his son Ram Charan might have another daughter. In 2025, the obsession with a male heir continues. Disappointing, but not surprising. PS – I have a girl, and I have heard from hundreds of people to give birth to a boy next. It feels horrible when people want us to control things I can’t.”
“Dear Chiranjeevi garu, I have respect for you as an actor. However, I would appreciate some clarification on your recent statement. It came across as misogynistic and seemed to imply that a legacy can only be carried forward by a male child or men. Did you truly mean to suggest this? Are you uncomfortable with the possibility of your son and daughter-in-law having another girl child? Or was it “remark” made in “jest” at Brahmanandam’s film event,” read another comment.
Another comment read, “Chiranjeevi is afraid Ram Charan will have another daughter and the legacy of the family will not be carried forward. The rot runs so deep, it is not even funny. Proud to be the mother of a girl, daughters are beautiful, daughters are pure love and they will carry your legacy forward just right.”
Another user wrote, “Very sad use of words by chiranjeevi garu here. Ammayi ayithe bhayam enduku. (If she's a girl, why fear?).. they carry the legacy forward the same as boys do or even better. Ilanti matalu public ga anadam sents a wrong message & takes us backwards. Aa matalu ki andaru navvadam (Everyone laughing at those words) shows our degenerated thinking!”
Chiranjeevi, who is a father to two daughters, Sreeja Konidela and Sushmita Konidela, and a son, Ram Charan, has several granddaughters, including Klin Kaara Konidela, whom Ram and Upasana welcomed in 2023. Sreeja is a mother to two daughters, Navishka and Nivrati, while Sushmita has two daughters, Samara and Samhitha.