Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi has found himself at the center of a social debate after his remarks at the Brahma Anandam pre-release event. His comments about desiring a male grandchild to carry forward his legacy have led to backlash, with many calling them outdated and reinforcing regressive gender norms.
During the event, Chiranjeevi lightheartedly compared his home to a “ladies’ hostel” due to being surrounded by his granddaughters. He expressed his desire for a grandson, saying, “I keep wishing and telling (Ram) Charan, at least this time, have a boy so that our legacy continues, but his daughter is the apple of his eye… I’m scared that he might again have a girl.” Chiranjeevi’s son, RRR star Ram Charan, and his wife, Upasana Konidela, welcomed their daughter, Klin Kaara, in 2023.
His statement has sparked widespread discussion, with social media users criticizing the notion that a legacy is inherently tied to a male heir. Many pointed out how such perspectives fail to acknowledge that women, too, contribute significantly to family legacies. A user expressed disappointment, saying, “If she’s a girl, why fear? Girls carry the legacy forward the same as boys or even better.”
Others called attention to the laughter that followed Chiranjeevi’s comments, emphasizing how casual remarks like these perpetuate deep-seated biases. “Chiranjeevi is scared his son Ram Charan might have another daughter? In 2025, the obsession with a male heir continues. Disappointing, but not surprising,” another user tweeted.
While some defended the actor, suggesting his remarks were made in jest, the larger conversation they have ignited highlights the need for evolving perspectives on gender equality. The notion that only men can carry forward a family’s name is being increasingly challenged in modern society, where women continue to break barriers across various fields.
Despite this controversy, Chiranjeevi has publicly shown love for his granddaughter. When Klin Kaara was born in 2023, he shared the meaning behind her name, describing it as representing transformative, purifying energy. His heartfelt words then were well received, making his recent statement all the more surprising to fans.
On the professional front, Chiranjeevi was last seen in Waltair Veerayya and Bhola Shankar in 2023. He is set to star in Vishwambhara, directed by Vassishta, and an upcoming film by Srikanth Odela. Meanwhile, Ram Charan, whose last film Game Changer underperformed, is preparing for projects with Buchi Babu Sana and Sukumar.
Chiranjeevi’s remarks have sparked an important discussion about gender perceptions in Indian society. While his legacy as an actor remains unparalleled, his words serve as a reflection of the cultural expectations still attached to male heirs. As times change, conversations like these push for a shift in mindset, where a family’s legacy is defined not by gender but by the values and achievements of its members.
