Radha Ravi had made the comments on Nayanthara being cast as "ghost" and "Sita" in different movies
Actor Nayanthara has thanked DMK chief MK Stalin for suspending Radha Ravi from the party for making an objectionable comment against her. She said the comment was made for cheap publicity.
"I shall continue to take multifaceted roles including Goddess Sita, lover," she said.
"Radha Ravi should have led by example. Irrelevant actors like him tend to rely on cheap popularity," she added.
Radha Ravi, while attending a function ahead of the release of the film Kolayuthir Kaalam, had made comments about actress Nayanthara being cast to play the role of a 'ghost' and 'Sita' in different films.
"Earlier we used to cast actresses like KR Vijaya for role of a Goddess. Today, anyone can be cast to play a goddess. They can cast someone who you want to pray to when you look at them, they can also cast someone you want to call towards you when you see them," Mr Ravi said. Nayanthara was not present at the event.
His comments drew flak and sharp criticism on social media with actors Taapsee Pannu and director Vignesh Shivan hitting out at him.
Radha Ravi's comments on Nayanthara drew flak and sharp criticism on social media.
DMK Chief MK Stalin also called the comment unacceptable and assured that action will be taken against him. "Radha Ravi's comments are unacceptable in DMK which puts women's rights in the forefront. Party cadre should express without indignity and action will be taken on those who violate," Mr Stalin tweeted.
Director Vignesh Shivan, said to be a close friend of Nayantara, had raised the issue on Twitter, tagging MK Stalin and DMK MP Kanimozhi and sought action against the "crass and sexist" Radha Ravi.
He said both Stalin and Kanimozhi had "vociferously" spoken against the Pollachi sexual harassment case and asked "why dont you take stringent action against" the actor too.
Actor Taapsee Pannu also hit out at the senior actor, saying his remarks were "disgusting". "This is disgusting beyond words. Who asked him about casting pre-requisites and is he the president of character certificate association? This comes for one of the strongest actresses of the industry (Nayantara), I can only wonder what he might have to say about others," she tweeted.
Nayantara, who has acted with top South Indian stars including Rajinikanth, Vijay and Ajith Kumar, is also known for featuring in women-centred themes like ''Aram'' and ''Kolamavu Kokila.''
She had also starred with Telugu star Balakrishna as Seetha in ''Sri Ramarajyam,'' a reel depiction of The Ramayana.
Last year, Radha Ravi had faced #MeToo allegations by an artist who alleged he called her home and harassed her.
Vocalist Chinmayi who had levelled the allegation was debarred from the dubbing union headed by Radha Ravi on the ground that she failed to renew her membership. Ms Chinmayi had denied the charge.
With inputs from PTI