It's no secret that actor, director, producer, singer, lyricist, music director, distributor, politician, and the owner of several other descriptors, T Rajendar, is fond of talking about himself. To put it mildly.
However, at a press meet for Vizhithiru, an upcoming thriller film starring Sai Dhansika, Krishna Kulasekaran, Venkat Prabhu and others, TR took it too far.
Speaking about her experience of acting in the film, Dhansika thanked a few people who'd worked on it but left out T Rajendar. T Rajendar has reportedly performed a dance in the film.
The omission was enough for TR to launch an attack on the unsuspecting actor. Ranting that she'd acted in Vizhithiru before Kabali and suggesting that she'd forgotten TR because she'd worked in a Rajinikanth film, the man went ballistic.
Dhansika tried to interject and issue an apology, noting that she had been nervous and that she had not left his name out deliberately. TR, however, was unstoppable. When the actor said she was sorry, he made a distasteful joke out of it by saying, "You haven't come dressed in a saree and you are saying sorry."
Dhansika added that she had great respect for TR but he asked where he could go and sell her respect. He then lectured her on "medai nagareegam" or how to conduct oneself onstage while completely missing the fact that his behaviour was uncouth and extremely disrespectful.
Throughout the time he spoke, he addressed Dhansika as "Nee" instead of the respectful "Neenga" and also ordered her around to sit when she attempted to speak.
Sadly, none of the others onstage - all of them men - intervened. In fact, they were seen clapping and laughing for TR's tirade. By the end of the meet, TR claimed that he'd spoken for so long and in that way because only then the media would give the film some attention by highlighting the fact that he'd gone after Dhansika.
Although Dhansika attempted to smile for this explanation, she looked clearly rattled and was reduced to tears by the end of the meet.
T Rajendar is unpredictable and many a time entertaining but there's no doubt that the self-praising actor (plus many titles) would have been far more respectful and careful if it had been a prominent male star onstage.
He might have thought he was making a great point by insulting Dhansika but on social media, at any rate, people have condemned him for his shocking behaviour.
why no Men on stage has the guts to say that it was wrong how #TR sir spoke to @SaiDhanshika ! Just remembered the movie #IRAIVI
— Tivi Arj (@TiviArj) September 28, 2017
#TR karadi nee onnum avlo periya aal illada per sollalanu stage laye azhachirukan dhansika va
— suriya fanatic (@suriyajofandom) September 29, 2017
I think TR should know more about stage disciplines, wat he has done is completely against stage discipline. #dhansika #TR
— Muthukumar (@muthuku51041381) September 28, 2017
@SaiDhanshika TR ongale romba hurt panitar ile dhansika don't worry ma oru naal kandipa feel pannuvar TR panadh thappu dhansika
— Radhakrishna (@krishnark77) September 28, 2017
After receiving support from fans far and wide, Dhansika took to Twitter to thank everyone. She also took a dig at those who kept silent during the event, stating that this is the state of lone women.
I'm really obliged to d no of ppl 4showing their care and luv 4 me, for what happened to me. But it is a pity, this is state of lone women..
— SaiDhanshika (@SaiDhanshika) September 29, 2017
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