Playback singer Chinmayi Sripada, who bravely came forward during the #MeToo movement in 2018 with allegations of sexual misconduct against celebrated lyricist Vairamuthu, continues to face online abuse and professional setbacks. Despite the serious nature of her claims and the backing of nearly 17 other allegations both anonymous and named, the industry response has largely been one of silence or resistance.

However, in a recent interview with Galatta, veteran composer, lyricist, and director Gangai Amaran also the brother of maestro Ilaiyaraaja, broke ranks with industry silence and voiced his unequivocal support for Chinmayi.

"When I heard about the event that they organised for her, I immediately wanted to attend," he said. Reflecting on her courage and the backlash she endured, Amaran added, "She struggled in life to become the playback singer that she is today. But instead of supporting her, people made her out to be the villain. He [Vairamuthu] was still portrayed as a good person, while she was left to face it all alone."

Amaran, who shares a long-standing professional history with both Vairamuthu and Ilaiyaraaja, made it clear that friendship should never be an obstacle to accountability. “Just because we are friends doesn’t mean we cannot question someone’s wrong actions. Can I ask Chinmayi not to speak up just because he is my friend?” he questioned.

He also emphasized the broader responsibility society holds: "If a woman speaks out about the injustice done to her, we should stand by her. I strongly condemn those who don’t and the political parties who continue to support him."

Amaran concluded his remarks with a powerful statement: “Yes, Vairamuthu is a good poet, there is no doubt about that. But he is not a good human being.”


Chinmayi, who played a central role in Tamil cinema’s #MeToo movement, had revealed that Vairamuthu asked her to "co-operate" with him during an incident in 2005. Though Vairamuthu has repeatedly denied the allegations, Chinmayi has faced a de facto ban in the Tamil film industry since coming forward, despite her acclaimed body of work.

Gangai Amaran’s public support is a rare moment of solidarity in an industry where power structures often discourage survivors from speaking out. His words serve as a reminder of the importance of standing with those who seek justice, especially when doing so comes at a cost.

Source / Image Credit : India Today , JioSaavn - Listen to New & Old Indian , Movie Crow