Have boy this time! Chiranjeevi's wish for grandson draws political fire | WATCH

Telugu cinema star Chiranjeevi faces backlash after expressing his desire for his son, Ram Charan, to have a grandson to "carry forward the legacy," sparking a debate about gender bias and outdated cultural norms. The actor's comments have ignited social media and drawn criticism from political figures, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding son preference in India.

"Crass and Sexist," Say Critics

Chiranjeevi's comments, made at a film event in Hyderabad, have been widely condemned as sexist and regressive. The actor stated that he hopes his son, Ram Charan, will have a son to continue the family legacy, expressing concern about having another granddaughter. This remark has sparked outrage, with many calling it misogynistic and reflective of outdated gender biases.

He Said I Don’t Want Another Girl Child, So Disrespectful To Women

I’m Sincerely Requesting @narendramodi Sir To Please Ban @KChiruTweets Padmabhusan & Vibhushan Awards Immediately To Save Our Indian Culture & Femininity 🙏🏻#ChiranjeeviMisogynyUnmasked pic.twitter.com/5IuWcyHXaM

— Smudge (@Okkkaduu) February 12, 2025

Political Figures Weigh In

Opposition leaders have joined the chorus of disapproval, with Congress MP Jebi Mather calling Chiranjeevi's remarks "sad and very unfortunate". Mather emphasized that both boys and girls are assets and should be expected to contribute positively to society. CPI-M leader Brinda Karat described the comments as "crass" and "sexist," regretting that a well-known personality would perpetuate son preference in a country with skewed sex ratios.

Social Media Erupts in Protest

Netizens have taken to social media to express their disappointment and condemnation of Chiranjeevi's remarks. Many users have criticized the actor for reinforcing outdated gender biases and perpetuating the idea that only male heirs can carry on a family's legacy. Some have shared their personal experiences with son preference, highlighting the pressure faced by women to bear male children.

A "Lighthearted" Remark with Serious Repercussions?

Brinda Karat noted that while Chiranjeevi's comments may have been made light-heartedly, they could have serious repercussions. She pointed out that such remarks contribute to a culture that coerces women into sex determination tests and female feticide. While many have criticized Chiranjeevi's comments, some fans have defended them as lighthearted banter. However, the overwhelming sentiment is one of disappointment, with many expressing concern that such remarks reinforce harmful gender stereotypes.