Orange alert as rain leaves Gurugram waterlogged; disrupts traffic The Sector 52A market was among the most affected areas, with visuals showing commuters wading through knee-deep water Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 14:14:38 IST By Sampurna Panigrahi, Mihika Shah
‘Buy buy buy!’: Foreign tourist reacts to duty-free shopping after Delhi immigration A foreign tourist has posted a video of his Delhi airport experience, questioning the shopping pitches he encountered just after immigration. Published on: Aug 24, 2026
India security chief visits China for border talks India security chief visits China for border talks Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 14:06:38 IST AFP Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link India's top security official arrived in Beijing on Monday for talks on the countries' disputed Himalayan border
Twenty-one former international cricket captains, including India’s Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Dilip Vengsarkar, on Sunday urged Pakistan to ensure that former Prime Minister Imran Khan is examined by a medical board, as directed by the country’s Supreme Court, The Hindu reported
A 25-year-old entrepreneur with a net worth of around ₹4.35 crore has turned to Reddit for advice after a sharp decline in the business that helped him build his fortune. Despite his wealth, he says he is now unsure about what to do next and feels “completely lost
Not a chief guests, celebrity or VIP, but a humanoid robot stole the spotlight at a sandwich shop inauguration. A video from the celebratory event has gone viral, where the robot was seen arriving at the venue with bodyguards. It then proceeded to greet guests and even broke into a dance
‘Jo bhi hai, tera ghar hai’: American compares Indian and US hospitality An American Hindi speaker’s take on Indian hospitality has viewers discussing the differences between socialising in India and the US. Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 13:31:09 IST By Vaishali Kapila Prefer HTon Google Share
Manipur: 1 CRPF personnel injured, 2 houses burnt by unknown armed individuals The gunfight broke out after two houses belonging to separate communities were set ablaze by an unidentified group of people Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 13:49:38 IST By Thomas Ngangom
Chinmayi Sripaada responds to backlash for criticising Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth
Chinmayi Sripaada on backlash for criticising Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth over posts for Vairamuthu: ‘I was a fan too…’
Chinmayi Sripaada on backlash for criticising Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth over posts for Vairamuthu: ‘I was a fan too…’
Chinmayi Sripaada took to social media to share a note addressing the angry fans who have been slamming her for criticising Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth.
Mar 16, 2026, 07:46:00 IST By Sugandha Rawal Share via Copy link Singer Chinmayi Sripaada has been facing a wave of trolling on social media after she publicly called out Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth for congratulating poet and lyricist Vairamuthu on being selected for the prestigious Jnanpith Award. Chinmayi, who was among the women who named the lyricist during the MeToo movement, has now addressed the backlash, explaining why she chose to criticise the Tamil superstars and asserting that she has every right to voice her disappointment. Chinmayi Sripaada called out Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth for praising Vairamuthu after Jnanpith honour.Chinmayi Sripaada on publicly calling out Rajinikanth and Kamal
Vairamuthu has become the third Tamil writer, after novelists Akilan (1975) and Jayakanthan (2002), to be honoured with the Jnanpith Award, the country’s highest literary honour. However, the news met with mixed reactions as in 2018, multiple women named Vairamuthu during the MeToo movement, including Chinmayi. Chinmayi did not hold back her disappointment and criticised Kamal and Rajinikanth for congratulating him on social media, following which she faced intense trolling from their fans. Later on Sunday, Chinmayi took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share a note addressing the angry fans who have been slamming her for criticising Kamal and Rajinikanth. She confessed that she was also a fan of the icons, adding that she has the right to express her disappointment with men who she “foolishly and naively expected would do better”. “A lot of you are just generally angry because I called out the Rajini Sir and Kamal Sir. I was a fan too,” Chinmayi wrote. She continued, “I have the right to express my disappointment from men who I foolishly and naively expected would do better - especially that one of them is an MP as well - like the characters they play in the films, which a punch line of doing the right thing. As a citizen in this country, and as a woman, a parent of kids, watching mounting cases of sexual harassment, assault, abuse by men in power every single day, while those who can make a difference turn a blind eye - it is a blazing disappointment and my right to ask a politician in a democratic, how they are leading by example.” In her note, Chinmayi expressed her disappointment and shared what she hopes will happen next. The singer wrote, “And one can be disappointed - and so many of my 'heroes', 'mentors' of all genders in the Tamil Film Industry did not do the right thing - All I ask is setting up an Internal Complaints Committee according to the Vishkha Guidelines - a safe enquiry committee where women and minors (many are minors in media) feel emboldened and safe to report which can also safeguard against false cases.” “I know now - a lot of men who have not been outed publicly by anyone, we know who they are - I know who will never come within a 5km radius of my children. Sadly, you won't know who they are - because there is no safe space to report a molester in Tamilnadu since you all rally to protect your sex offender buddies. Time will be your greatest teacher. And those lessons will not be kind,” Chinmayi concluded in her note. In another tweet, Chinmayi wrote, “Sri Rajinikanth and Sri Kamal Haasan - are powerful men in the Industry, legends who are saying 17 Women speaking up about sexual harassment, one of whom got banned in front of their eyes and they did NOTHING with all their power, makes no difference.” She added, “These are men who have transitioned to politics and give speeches about Women’s safety while colluding with a molester WITHOUT PUTTING safeguards of ICCs in their own industry FIRST! Which part of this is not making sense to you? Since 2019 A R Rahman Sir’s KM Conservatory and Studio is the ONLY place with a functional ICC. A woman called out sexual harassment from the Dubbing Union - She was banned from working. She got justice after 5 years. How do these legends in the industry not understand?Chinmayi Sripaada calls out Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan
After the news of Vairamuthu getting the honour, Rajinikanth wrote in Tamil, “My heartfelt congratulations to my dear friend, the esteemed poet Vairamuthu, recipient of the great Jnanpith Award of our Indian nation. @Vairamuthu #JnanpithAward,” Chinmayi called him out, writing, “Ayyyyyyoooo!!! Puriyave puriyaadha (what a puzzle)??!” Kamal had also congratulated Vairamuthu, writing in Tamil, “Tamil literature, with its long tradition, has received the prestigious literary award, the Jnanpith, for the third time. After the previous Jnanpith received by Jayakanthan, after the passage of a quarter century, my uncle poet-emperor @Vairamuthu has added this great honor to Tamil. With the poetic words "The sky is a Bodhi tree for me; every day it gives me a message," which fell into my ears, entered my heart, and mingled in friendship, I take pride in congratulating this friend.” Chinmayi called him out through a post which read, “For God’s sake. P.S.: Men in such power in cinema transitioning to politics completely turning a deaf ear to women who come on record to say they were molested by “his uncle-mentor” must remind women who vote - that men will never be on our side. The weirdest thing - one of the women in his own party publicly named the Poet. End of the day, men WILL stand by their bros, uncles, dads, friends, mentors. Who cares if multiple women were traumatised?” Meanwhile, Kamal and Rajinikanth have not reacted to the stir. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sugandha Rawal Sugandha Rawal has been writing about entertainment and lifestyle for over 13 years, and if there's one thing that's kept her going, it's a genuine love for storytelling. She completed her graduation in Journalism from the University of Delhi and went on to earn her Master of Media from IP University. Beginning her career in the fast-paced environment of news wire reporting, she learned the art of accuracy, speed, and storytelling under pressure. She later expanded her horizons in print journalism, where she honed her feature-writing skills and developed a keen eye for detail and narrative depth. These days, she's firmly rooted in digital journalism, adapting and evolving with a media landscape that never sits still. Over the years, Sugandha has covered everything from Bollywood and celebrity culture to wellness trends and lifestyle shifts. She enjoys spotting the drama behind headlines, the emotion behind interviews, and the details that others might miss. When she is not chasing the latest entertainment update or lifestyle trend, you will find her observing the cultural shifts that shape the stories we consume every day.Read More Chinmayi Sripaada Jnanpith Award Kamal Haasan Rajinikanth Superstar Rajinikanth Amazon Summer Sale is here! Splurge and save now! Click Here!.Get more updates from Bollywood, Taylor Swift, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times. News / Entertainment / Tamil Cinema / Chinmayi Sripaada On Backlash For Criticising Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth Over Posts For Vairamuthu: ‘I Was A Fan Too…’ See Less
Singer Chinmayi Sripaada has been facing a wave of trolling on social media after she publicly called out Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth for congratulating poet and lyricist Vairamuthu on being selected for the prestigious Jnanpith Award. Chinmayi, who was among the women who named the lyricist during the MeToo movement, has now addressed the backlash, explaining why she chose to criticise the Tamil superstars and asserting that she has every right to voice her disappointment.
Chinmayi did not hold back her disappointment and criticised Kamal and Rajinikanth for congratulating him on social media, following which she faced intense trolling from their fans.
Later on Sunday, Chinmayi took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share a note addressing the angry fans who have been slamming her for criticising Kamal and Rajinikanth. She confessed that she was also a fan of the icons, adding that she has the right to express her disappointment with men who she “foolishly and naively expected would do better”.
“A lot of you are just generally angry because I called out the Rajini Sir and Kamal Sir. I was a fan too,” Chinmayi wrote.
She continued, “I have the right to express my disappointment from men who I foolishly and naively expected would do better - especially that one of them is an MP as well - like the characters they play in the films, which a punch line of doing the right thing. As a citizen in this country, and as a woman, a parent of kids, watching mounting cases of sexual harassment, assault, abuse by men in power every single day, while those who can make a difference turn a blind eye - it is a blazing disappointment and my right to ask a politician in a democratic, how they are leading by example.”
In her note, Chinmayi expressed her disappointment and shared what she hopes will happen next. The singer wrote, “And one can be disappointed - and so many of my 'heroes', 'mentors' of all genders in the Tamil Film Industry did not do the right thing - All I ask is setting up an Internal Complaints Committee according to the Vishkha Guidelines - a safe enquiry committee where women and minors (many are minors in media) feel emboldened and safe to report which can also safeguard against false cases.”
“I know now - a lot of men who have not been outed publicly by anyone, we know who they are - I know who will never come within a 5km radius of my children. Sadly, you won't know who they are - because there is no safe space to report a molester in Tamilnadu since you all rally to protect your sex offender buddies. Time will be your greatest teacher. And those lessons will not be kind,” Chinmayi concluded in her note.
In another tweet, Chinmayi wrote, “Sri Rajinikanth and Sri Kamal Haasan - are powerful men in the Industry, legends who are saying 17 Women speaking up about sexual harassment, one of whom got banned in front of their eyes and they did NOTHING with all their power, makes no difference.”
She added, “These are men who have transitioned to politics and give speeches about Women’s safety while colluding with a molester WITHOUT PUTTING safeguards of ICCs in their own industry FIRST! Which part of this is not making sense to you? Since 2019 A R Rahman Sir’s KM Conservatory and Studio is the ONLY place with a functional ICC. A woman called out sexual harassment from the Dubbing Union - She was banned from working. She got justice after 5 years. How do these legends in the industry not understand?
Kamal had also congratulated Vairamuthu, writing in Tamil, “Tamil literature, with its long tradition, has received the prestigious literary award, the Jnanpith, for the third time. After the previous Jnanpith received by Jayakanthan, after the passage of a quarter century, my uncle poet-emperor @Vairamuthu has added this great honor to Tamil. With the poetic words "The sky is a Bodhi tree for me; every day it gives me a message," which fell into my ears, entered my heart, and mingled in friendship, I take pride in congratulating this friend.”
Chinmayi called him out through a post which read, “For God’s sake. P.S.: Men in such power in cinema transitioning to politics completely turning a deaf ear to women who come on record to say they were molested by “his uncle-mentor” must remind women who vote - that men will never be on our side. The weirdest thing - one of the women in his own party publicly named the Poet. End of the day, men WILL stand by their bros, uncles, dads, friends, mentors. Who cares if multiple women were traumatised?”
Meanwhile, Kamal and Rajinikanth have not reacted to the stir.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: Vairamuthu,Jnanpith Award,Tamil literature,Chinmayi Sripaada,MeToo movement,Chinmayi Sripaada Vairamuthu
No need to panic over H1N1 surge in K'taka: Minister Khader No need to panic over H1N1 surge in K'taka: Minister Khader Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 13:51:09 IST PTI Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Bengaluru, Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader on Monday assured the public that there was no
8 hours ago
‘You endorse misogyny, cut the crap’: Shehzad Poonawalla joins BJP attack on Rahul Gandhi's ‘smash patriarchy’ call Shehzad Poonawalla and BJP were responding to Rahul Gandhi's call to "smash the patriarchy" during his party's 'Chhatro ki Goonj' programme in Pune. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026
11 hours ago
For Delhi-NCR residents, Guleria struck a reassuring note while explaining why this year’s wave has felt worse, but citizens need not panic The H1N1 virus driving Delhi-NCR’s current flu surge appears to be changing its structure — a process that is making it spread faster and slip past the
11 hours ago
A job applicant’s unusual rejection from a software engineering internship has left the internet divided after the candidate was reportedly turned down over the name of their resume file. The incident was highlighted in a now-viral post on X by user @adnaannasir_
11 hours ago
Elderly woman killed, husband injured in SUV hit-and-run at Delhi's posh GK-1 The woman, identified as Shashi, was declared brought dead at the hospital, while her husband Kulbhushan (65), was left injured. Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 11:00:26 IST By HT News Desk Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy
11 hours ago
Woman reflects on high-rise living in big cities: ‘Even the slice of the sky is fixed for us’ A woman shared her thoughts on high-rise life, saying big-city living can feel confined despite better work opportunities. Published on: Aug 24, 2026
11 hours ago
Governor Abdullah Sarhadi gives money to treat a boy's broken arm and hands out funds for a local mosque - then, in his office in northern Afghanistan, an astonishing exchange unfolds. A young woman tells the grey-bearded former Taliban commander that she wants to divorce her husband
11 hours ago
Andy Burnham is marking his first foreign visit as prime minister with a trip to Kyiv - and will hand over blueprints so Ukraine can build its own long-range missiles. The prime minister will chair his first meeting of the "coalition of the willing"
11 hours ago
Apple’s next iPhone launch is getting closer, and the company’s usual September schedule is beginning to take shape. According to a recent Forbes report, Apple could hold its special event on Wednesday, September 9, where it is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
11 hours ago
Fugitive gangster Goldy Brar has, in an audio clip, purportedly claimed responsibility for the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, The Indian Express reported. The newspaper said it could not independently verify the authenticity of the audio clip
11 hours ago
Dad crashes daughter’s late-night work meeting over parcels: ‘Ek paise ki saving nahi karti’ A father’s surprise appearance during his daughter’s work call turns into a lecture on spending and saving. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 10:56:44 IST By Vaishali Kapila Prefer HTon Google Share via
11 hours ago
A Zimbabwean content creator’s tongue-in-cheek take on life in India has caught the attention of social media users after he shared 10 everyday conveniences that have completely changed his standard of living. From paying for almost everything with just a phone to having food
11 hours ago
Starting September 1, passengers traveling internationally will be required to use an e-boarding pass on their smartphones for immigration clearance, as announced by immigration authorities. This significant change comes as the Bureau of Immigration (BOI)
14 hours ago
The September 2026 US Visa Bulletin brings a mixed picture for Indian green card applicants. While some family-sponsored categories have moved forward, several employment-based categories remain severely constrained, with two India-specific categories listed as unavailable and the State Department
14 hours ago
The Maharashtra Transport Department has issued notices to 777 drivers for lacking practical knowledge of Marathi, The Hindu quoted unidentified officials as saying on Saturday. A total of 5,211 drivers were tested during a statewide inspection campaign that began on August 20, including 3
14 hours ago
19-year-old killed, friend injured after truck hits motorcycle on Delhi's Indraprastha flyover A police team reached the spot and found a motorcycle lying in a damaged condition and two people seriously injured. One of them died in the hospital. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026
14 hours ago
Indian woman reveals why her family returned to India after 13 years in US: ‘You don’t really belong here’ A woman shared five reasons her family decided to leave the US and return to India after 13 years. Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:43:56 IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Prefer HTon Google
14 hours ago
New UK PM Andy Burnham to make visit to Kyiv on Monday: office New UK PM Andy Burnham to make visit to Kyiv on Monday: office Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:41:28 IST AFP Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will visit Kyiv on Monday on his first international
14 hours ago
Bengaluru vs Gurgaon? Man who lived in both cities explains why the comparison is ‘completely pointless’ A man said the Bengaluru versus Gurgaon debate was pointless and urged people to live in both cities before deciding. Published on: Aug 24, 2026
14 hours ago
Circle Wealth CIO and Managing Partner Chadha said the market was rewarding companies with strong earnings and improving outlooks, even as large-cap stocks remained under pressure. Diwali season is expected to bring a fresh boost for Indian equities following strong corporate earnings
14 hours ago
The restriction was imposed under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which governs the import, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs and cosmetics. The central government on Saturday restricted the manufacturing, sale and distribution of all fixed-dose combinations (FDCs)
14 hours ago
Ukraine backers gather as war escalates, air defence runs low Ukraine backers gather as war escalates, air defence runs low Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:41:29 IST AFP Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Ukraine on Monday hosts a meeting of its key European backers to press for critical
14 hours ago
'Trouble proving citizenship after representing India in 3 countries': Ex-envoy to ECI over Punjab SIR Suri served as India’s ambassador to the UAE and Egypt and high commissioner to Australia. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:34:33 IST By HT Correspondent Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link
14 hours ago
2 killed after illegal building in Hyderabad's Gachibowli caves in Officials alleged that the building was built over or adjacent to a drain without the required permissions. Published on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:41:02 IST By Srinivasa Rao Apparasu Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link At least two
1 days ago
J'khand: Compensation of ₹31 lakh each given to families of 3 engineers burnt alive at steel plant J'khand: Compensation of ₹31 lakh each given to families of 3 engineers burnt alive at steel plant Published on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:43:04 IST PTI Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Ramgarh
1 days ago
Jaiñtia Hills to the G7: Can Meghalaya turn ‘Lakadong’ into a global brand? The high-curcumin turmeric has gone from an obscure hill crop to a GI-tagged premium product showcased before world leaders. Updated on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:48:20 IST By David Laitphlang
1 days ago
Ex-NRI shares why she takes auto for 1 km ride to gym after moving to India: 'Life here is a compromise' The woman shared that she has to walk through an area where "everybody stares", while the pathway is "ubad-khabad", dirty and encroached. Updated on: Aug 23, 2026
1 days ago
