Hyderabad: Actor Nagababu fired Sri Reddy at a press meet held by the Movie Artiste's Association (MAA) at Film Chambers of Commerce in Hyderabad. Nagababu said that he had call for this press meet after several women demanded that Pawan Kalyan speak up on the casting couch issue.

Nagababu decided to give a fitting reply by asking them what was the need for Pawan to come and address the issue. “What's wrong in him asking the victim to approach the police and lodge a complaint? If people are trolling that is not Pawan’s fault. In the past, Pawan has issued a statement asking his fans to stop trolling and that is enough. He need not repeat himself all the time,” he said.

He also said that MAA has repeatedly requested directors and producers to give Telugu actors work opportunities, but they can’t compel them to oblige.

“Crores of money is invested into a film. If the movie fails, will MAA compensate for the losses incurred by the producer? Absolutely not. Hence one should understand the complexities that are involved in making of a movie,” he asserted.

Speaking on casting couch, Nagababu said that the issue was nothing new and that it existed since ages. He objected to people putting a blot on the entire film fraternity saying it was deplorable. “How can you make a general statement that all the actresses have been victims of casting couch to reach the top? My daughter works in the film industry too. Am I not aware what happens in the industry? Don’t make such crass statements for personal benefits, he hit out. Yesteryear actresses like Savitri, Bhanumati and the others worked hard and proved their mettle to be in the top position,” he said.

However, Nagababu stated that the association was working towards providing a better and safe work environment for the women workforce and ensure decent wages among other amenities.

Meanwhile, actress Madhavi Latha said she will stage a one-day fast at film chambers. On the other side, Jeevitha Rajsekhar has filed a complaint against Sri Reddy for false accusations and defaming people from the film industry.