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In a recent interview with the YouTube channel Galatta, veteran composer and lyricist Gangai Amaran has come out in strong support of playback singer Chinmayi Sripaada, who has been at the forefront of Tamil cinema’s Me Too movement. His remarks mark a rare but significant instance of an industry insider openly criticising celebrated lyricist Vairamuthu, whom Chinmayi has accused of sexual harassment.
“I immediately wanted to attend the event as soon as I got to know about it,” Amaran said, referring to the event ‘Chinmayi Fans Festival’ held by Galatta.
“She struggled in life and to become a playback singer. But it was twisted — he [Vairamuthu] was made out to be a good person and she was painted as the villain. No one came in support of her, he said, when asked about Chinmayi’s accusations of sexual harassment against Vairamuthu. Gangai Amaran has composed for movies like Karakattakaran, Rajathi Raja and Vaazhve Maayam. He is the brother of music maestro Ilaiyaraaja.
Gangai Amaran added, “If a woman stands up to talk about injustice, we should stand with her. I condemn those who don't heed to it and parties who support the perpetrator.”
When asked about his long-standing friendship with Vairamuthu, the veteran musician responded firmly, “Because of that we can’t refrain from questioning when he does something wrong. Can I ask her not to talk about him just because he is my friend?” He then added with pointed sarcasm, “He is a really good poet, but not a good person.” Gangai Amaran, Vairamuthu, and Ilaiyaraaja were once close collaborators in the golden era of Tamil film music, and were considered the golden trio.
Chinmayi accused Vairamuthu of sexual harassment in 2018, during the height of the Me Too movement in India. She alleged that the incident occurred during a work event in Kodaikanal in 2005. Many other women then came forward, some anonymous and some not, to share their own stories another harassment by Vairamuthu.
While Vairamuthu denied the claims, Chinmayi faced significant backlash from the industry, including being removed from the Tamil dubbing union and reportedly blacklisted from playback singing roles in Tamil cinema.
Despite these setbacks, Chinmayi remained vocal and pursued legal recourse, seeking reinstatement in the dubbing union and calling out institutional silence around sexual harassment in the industry.