Silence Isn’t Support: Divyabharathi’s Bold Statement

Divyabharathi has responded strongly after a director used the term “chilaka” to address a woman, sparking wide discussion about casual misogyny in the film industry.

She stated that such words are not harmless jokes but a reflection of deep-rooted disrespect toward women.

Divyabharathi revealed that this behaviour wasn’t new but the same director frequently disrespected women on set as well creating an unhealthy work atmosphere.

What upset her most was the hero silence which allowed this behaviour to continue without being challenged. Divya made it completely clear that she chooses to work only in spaces where women are treated with dignity where every voice matters and where respect is the foundation.

Responding to claims that she “always has issues” with teams she clarified that she has worked with many actors in Tamil cinema multiple times without any conflict. Only this one director crossed boundaries, and she has every right to speak out.

For those claiming I ‘always have issues’ with teams, facts matter.
I’ve worked repeatedly with the same team, actors and crews in Tamil cinema with zero conflicts.
Only this one director crossed lines and made disrespectful comments.
He chose to make it public, and I have every…

— Divyabharathi (@divyabarti2801) November 19, 2025