Kangana Ranaut slams character attacks on women, cites 'cheer haran' in Tamil Nadu

Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has called for an end to the “character assassination of women”, referring to the “cheer haran” (disrobing) and the targeting of a Tamil actor over her personal relationships. Her remarks came days after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay condemned personal attacks, double-meaning insults and derogatory comments against women in the state Assembly.

While she didn't take any names, the statement was largely seen as referring to the 1989 incident involving the humiliation and abuse that Jayalalithaa faced in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Speaking to reporters after chairing the District Development Coordination and Monitoring meeting in Kullu on Monday, Ranaut said women, particularly those in positions of power and authority, are often subjected to attacks on their character in an attempt to undermine them.

Ranaut was asked about Vijay’s recent speech in which he criticised derogatory political remarks targeting women.

The BJP MP, who portrayed Jayalalithaa in the 2021 biopic Thalaivii, said, “In Tamil Nadu, we have seen that a very renowned actress was targeted for her relations."

Ranaut added that relationships involve two people, but women are often singled out for abuse and character attacks. “Relations are from both sides but only the woman is targeted for abuse, ‘cheer haran’ (disrobing) and character assassination,” she said.

“We all know that this is not restricted to India alone and is prevalent worldwide that characters of working women, successful women, actors, politicians, women in the position of power and authority is targeted to bring her down,” Ranaut added.

She further questioned society’s attitude towards women and whether they are truly respected despite their achievements and positions. “We as a society should look into ourselves, how we look at women and do we really respect them or not,” she said.

What did Vijay say in the Assembly?

Vijay, while speaking in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, criticised personal attacks, double-meaning insults and derogatory remarks targeting women in politics. His remarks came amid a controversy over comments attributed to DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, which were perceived as being aimed at actor Trisha, though the DMK has disputed that interpretation.

"Freedom of speech – how it is being used, we should retrospect. At the same time, speaking of our people or women in a demeaning way, let's not have that," Vijay said in the state assembly, without naming Stalin Jr.

"People are watching some speaking in double meaning. I just want to say that we all have women as sisters and mothers in our home... So if women are insulted, the law will take its action," he added.