📌 Key Points
- Chinmayi Sripaada faced backlash after naming Vairamuthu during the #MeToo movement in 2018.
- She was excluded from the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards despite delivering hits like those in the movie ’96’.
- Chinmayi was removed from SICTADAU after supporting women who spoke out against Radha Ravi.
- Despite a ban, Chinmayi sang at the audio launch of Mani Ratnam’s ‘Thug Life’ to positive reception.
Singer Chinmayi Sripaada isn’t surprised by her exclusion from the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards after accusing lyricist Vairamuthu of harassment. She faced industry backlash and a ban following her #MeToo allegations, impacting her career.
Chinmayi’s #MeToo Allegations Against Vairamuthu
Chinmayi Sripaada called out lyricist Vairamuthu for sexual harassment during the #MeToo movement in 2018.
Industry Backlash and SICTADAU Removal
During India’s #MeToo movement in 2018, Chinmayi called out Vairamuthu for sexually abusing her and highlighted claims made against others within the music industry. She was removed from the South Indian Cine, Television Artistes and Dubbing Artistes Union (SICTADAU) after she came out in support of the women who had named Radha Ravi, president of the dubbing union.
When she was recently asked how she worked in 96 and Leo despite the ban, she explained on X, “96 was before the Metoo broke out. Leo – I was hired despite the ban and Radha Ravi’s Union tried to find out who recorded me so that they can ban the Recording Engineer as well. Nobody has the bandwidth to fight these battles when a film is about to release. Radha Ravi sends a diktat to all the Unions to say a person is banned so other Unions should NOT hire them as well. Many have gone through the same. Incidentally AnbAriv were also banned by their Union. But they were given relief by the Court. I have been fighting my case for 6+ years. That’s how it works.”
Triumph Amidst Controversy: ‘Thug Life’ Performance
In 2025, Chinmayi sang at the audio launch of Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life, a Tamil film. The song as well as her performance received widespread love from fans on social media.
Chinmayi’s experiences highlight the challenges faced by individuals speaking out against harassment in the entertainment industry. Her continued work and public support suggest a shifting, albeit slow, landscape.
