Nidhhi Agerwal Reacts After Sivaji Insinuates She ‘Provoked’ Mob With Dress: What Really Happened
In a rapidly unfolding controversy in the Telugu film industry, Nidhhi Agerwal has finally responded after veteran actor Sivaji sparked a heated debate by suggesting her outfit may have “provoked” an unruly crowd when she was mobbed at a public event. The incident quickly stirred discussions around gender, celebrity safety, morality and social media reactions. Here’s a clear, up‑to‑date breakdown of what’s going on—what happened, how Nidhhi reacted, and why this controversy matters.
What Sparked the Controversy?
The Lulu Mall Incident
The controversy began on December 17, 2025, when actress Nidhhi Agerwal was promoting her upcoming film The Raja Saab at Lulu Mall in Hyderabad. Video footage from the event showed her being surrounded by an overexcited crowd, struggling to reach her car amidst pushing and shoving by fans. The actress appeared visibly shaken as security personnel assisted her escape.
Social media users condemned the lack of crowd control and poor event management, especially considering she was at risk of serious harm. Outrage grew over how easily the crowd breached safety boundaries, prompting many to call for better protections for celebrities at fan events.
Sivaji’s Comment: A Controversial Take
Soon after the Lulu Mall incident, veteran South Indian actor Sivaji made remarks at a separate event that ignited further controversy.
What He Said
At the Dhandoraa pre‑release event, Sivaji addressed a gathering and urged actresses to dress modestly, suggesting they wear sarees or more conservative clothing in public. He implied that revealing outfits could attract unwanted attention.
His remarks included language that many considered derogatory, and he referenced incidents of actresses being mobbed—including the recent events involving Nidhhi Agerwal and Samantha Ruth Prabhu—as part of his reasoning.
Why the Comments Caused an Uproar
Blaming the Victim
A major point of contention was the suggestion that Nidhhi’s choice of clothes “provoked” the crowd. Many critics argued this wrongly places blame on the victim rather than the men in the mob who behaved inappropriately.
The comments were seen as a form of moral policing that shifts responsibility away from accountability for crowd behaviour and poor security, to the personal choices of women.
Backlash from the Industry and Advocates
Several celebrities and industry figures condemned Sivaji’s remarks as outdated and dismissive of women’s autonomy. Singer and social activist Chinmayi Sripada and others spoke out against policing women’s attire and questioned who gets to decide what is “modest.”
The Voice of Women collective further criticized what it called “selective morality”—highlighting the lack of visible concern for actresses’ safety amidst harassment incidents, and arguing that shaming women for clothing only of entrenches harmful norms.
Nidhhi Agerwal’s Reaction
After days of silence on social media and in the press, Nidhhi Agerwal broke her silence in response to the controversy. Although she did not directly mention Sivaji by name, she posted a strong message on Instagram addressing the broader issue.
Her Message: “Blaming the Victim is Manipulation”
In her Instagram story, she wrote: “Blaming the victim is called manipulation.” This concise but powerful statement struck a chord with many who saw it as an assertion of self‑respect and rejection of misplaced blame.
Her words highlighted an important point: public figures—especially women—should not be held responsible for how others behave toward them, regardless of what they choose to wear.
Broader Reactions: Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s Similar Incident
The discussion around this issue gained even more traction when Samantha Ruth Prabhu was also mobbed by fans at a separate event in Hyderabad—despite being dressed in a saree, countering the notion that clothing alone dictates safety. Videos from her event showed a similar lack of crowd control, and fans pushing toward her to take selfies.
The parallel nature of these incidents reinforced many public voices’ argument that crowd behaviour and societal attitudes toward celebrities need to be addressed, rather than their outfit choices.
Official Response and Accountability
Telangana State Commission for Women Steps In
Following the backlash against Sivaji’s remarks, the Telangana State Commission for Women took suo motu notice of the issue and summoned him for an enquiry scheduled for December 27, 2025.
Sivaji also issued a public apology, acknowledging that some of his words were inappropriate and offensive, although he reiterated that his intention was “concern for safety.” He stated he did not mean to demean women but admitted that his choice of language was wrong.
What This Means for Public Safety and Celebrity Culture
The unfolding debate has opened up larger conversations about:
- Celebrity safety at public events: The mobbing of Nidhhi Agerwal and Samantha Ruth Prabhu highlighted glaring issues with crowd management and security protocols at fan gatherings.
- Victim‑blaming culture: The controversy has sparked introspection on online and offline attitudes toward women, especially those in the public spotlight.
- Gender norms and media responsibility: Many believe the industry must move toward more supportive dialogue around women’s autonomy and away from regressive narratives about clothing and behaviour.
Conclusion: A Turning Point in the Discussion
The controversy surrounding Nidhhi Agerwal’s reaction to Sivaji’s remarks has gone beyond a single event or celebrity comment. It’s become a cultural conversation about respect, safety, and how society responds when public figures—particularly women—face harassment.
Nidhhi’s measured stance—asserting that “blaming the victim is manipulation”—resonated with many who see this moment as an opportunity to challenge harmful norms and advocate for more responsible behavior both from the public and established figures in the film industry.
What remains clear is that celebrity mobbing incidents, moral commentary, and public outrage have shifted this discussion into the mainstream—and it’s prompting real questions about how to ensure safety, dignity, and fairness for all.
