Tamil Nadu: Police register case against Dr Kantharaj for making defamatory remarks on actresses, calling them ‘casting couch’

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu police have registered a case against Dr Kantaraj, a controversial figure and self-proclaimed political analyst, for making defamatory and obscene remarks against actresses during an interview with YouTuber Mukhtar Ahmed. In the interview, Dr Kantaraj made disturbing remarks about women in the film industry, accusing them of participating in the “casting couch” for fame and money. His remarks have sparked outrage on social media platforms.

Dr Kantaraj, brother of former Parliament Speaker K Rajaram and a staunch Dravidianist, has become infamous for his provocative statements targeting various communities, including Brahmins and Hindus. In his last interview, he crossed the line when he objectified and denigrated women, especially actresses, and suggested that sexual harassment in the film industry was consensual.

The video in question, which has now gone viral, begins with Mukthar Ahmed asking Dr Kantaraj, “Have you heard of ‘Adaptation’?” Dr Kantaraj replied in the affirmative and went on to explain that there was no need for such “adaptations” in the film industry as everything was done consensually. When Mukthar questioned the morality of the practice, Dr Kantaraj dismissed his concerns, implying that Mukthar’s criticism stemmed from a lack of personal opportunity.

Dr. Kantaraj further trivialized the problem by comparing it to a stork waiting at a floodgate. He said, “It is all part of life; is this really a problem? It is like the saying, ‘The stork that waits patiently at the floodgate leaves the small sprats alone and waits for the bigger fish.’ We were not like the stork; we chased the small sprats until the bigger fish arrived.”

In a particularly offensive remark, Dr Kantaraj mocked actresses who spoke out about sexual abuse decades later. “They claim after 30 years that they are ruined (sexually abused)… Shouldn’t I claim that I ruined some 30 years ago too?” he said, laughing. Mukthar interjected, “They are all out of the field,” to which Kantaraj replied, “Yes, they are all expired.” Dr Kantaraj continued, “Now they are speaking out. All these rusty goods are now claiming that they were abused. Is this even a subject? I find it laughable.”

The offensive nature of Dr Kantaraj’s remarks has led to widespread criticism, with many demanding strict legal action against him. Comparisons have been drawn between the swift action taken against YouTuber Savukku Shankar and the slower response in Dr Kantaraj’s case. Shankar was previously arrested under the Goondas Act for making derogatory remarks about female police officers, and his arrest was only revoked after an intervention by the Supreme Court.

Dr Kantharaj made several inflammatory statements, suggesting that actresses willingly participated in the ‘casting couch’ to further their careers, only to become victims later. He compared the situation to a stork waiting for bigger fish, saying, “We chased the small sprats until the bigger fish arrived.” He also mocked actresses who spoke out about their abuse after many years, calling them “rusty goods” who are trying to revive their lost market image.

Kantharaj’s comments extended beyond the film industry, claiming that the medical profession too had its own “adjustments” similar to those in cinema. He argued that the sexual exploitation in the film industry was consensual, saying: “You share a bed and get paid for it, and later put on a mask of chastity. What is fair about that?”

Mukthar Ahmed, the interviewer, also provoked Kantharaj with his own inflammatory remarks, and further encouraged him to share his unfiltered opinions. Both men discussed how actresses entering the film industry have to make “adjustments” regarding the casting couch. Kantharaj questioned why actresses perform rain-soaked scenes in revealing clothes, and insinuated that they deliberately use their bodies to gain attention and fame.

Kantharaj also made derogatory remarks about prominent women in Tamil Nadu politics and the film industry, including former AIADMK Chief Ministers MG Ramachandran (MGR) and J Jayalalitha, as well as actress and politician Radhika Sarathkumar. He alleged that actresses like actor Suriya’s wife Jyothika had to utter obscenities to secure film opportunities.

The video, which has since gone viral, has sparked outrage on social media, with many demanding legal action against both Kantharaj and Mukthar.

They also targeted actress Shakeela, pointing out that she had acted in adult films in the past and was now complaining about sexual harassment in the industry. They criticized MGR and Shivaji Ganesan, with Kantharaj specifically attacking MGR. He alleged that MGR had the most explicit content in his films, but all the women voted for him and actresses played glamorous roles in his films.

He said the difference between a sex worker and an actress is that sex workers are seen as inferior, while actresses are seen as superior and treated as leaders.

The story of Sabarimala Ayyappan is mentioned, with the claim that he was born of a homosexual union. The Tamil New Year, celebrated in April, is seen as a celebration of homosexuality, allegedly initiated by Vishnu and Naratha, who are said to have given birth to 60 babies. Kantharaj said that Diwali, the story of Satyabhama killing Narakasura, is cited as its origin. Narakasura, according to this account, was the son of Satyabhama and Lord Krishna. However, since Satyabhama and Krishna had no children, the question arises: Who was Narakasura’s real father?

Muthar is seen in several photographs with CM MK Stalin and his son and minister Udhaya Nidhi Stain.

Neither Mukthar nor the Kantharaj dared to talk about EV Ramaswamy Naicker’s marriage to his stepdaughter Maniammai, who was half his age, and about his sex life in his younger years.

On September 13, 2024, actress Rohini Molleti filed a criminal complaint with the city police commissioner’s office against Dr. Kantharaj, accusing him of making inappropriate and insulting remarks about actresses

I think I did well#Drkantharaj | #Rohini photo.twitter.com/4DFDZkeco2

— PuthiyathalaimuraiTV (@PTTVOnlineNews) September 16, 2024

Rohini has sought legal action against Dr Kantharaj and removal of the video from YouTube. Police have filed an FIR based on her complaint.