Singer Sunitha Calls For Mutual Respect and Shared Responsibility in Tollywood

Tollywood singer Sunitha has shared her perspectives on feminism, dressing freedom, and women's safety in the Telugu film industry during an interview released on June 24, 2026, in Hyderabad. Having spent 31 years in the industry, the prominent playback singer sat down for a candid conversation that touched upon music, women in cinema, freedom, and the specific challenges faced by female artists.

During the interview with journalist Nishant, Sunitha addressed the ongoing debates around what women wear, stating that the concept of dressing freedom is often misunderstood. She explained that true freedom is not about proving a point through clothing choices, but rather about ensuring women feel safe, respected, and free from judgment. She raised the question of whether society is successfully creating an environment where these personal choices can be respected.

Sunitha critiqued modern discussions on feminism, observing that they are frequently reduced to slogans and social media arguments. According to her, feminism is not about constantly asserting rights over others. Instead, she defined it as fostering mutual respect, understanding, and acceptance between men and women.

She further clarified that equality does not require both genders to be treated identically in every situation. Instead, she emphasized that what truly matters is fairness, dignity, and the recognition of individual choices without prejudice.

Addressing the issue of objectification and exploitation in cinema, Sunitha stated that the responsibility does not lie with a single individual. She noted that directors, writers, actors, and society as a whole play a collective role in shaping how women are portrayed on screen.

With more than three decades of experience in Tollywood, Sunitha's remarks highlighted that the acceptance of a woman's opinion and choices is the most meaningful form of feminism.