Director and actor R. Parthiban has issued a formal expression of regret following a public confrontation with actress Trisha Krishnan over “insensitive” remarks made during a rapid-fire session at a Chennai awards gala. The controversy, which saw Trisha label the director’s comments as a display of “crude stupidity,” comes at a time of intense personal scrutiny for the actress following her recent public appearance alongside actor Vijay.

As legal proceedings for Vijay’s divorce from Sangeetha Sornalingam progress in a Chengalpattu court, the exchange between the two veteran film personalities has ignited a broader debate regarding the boundaries of humor and the dignity of women on public platforms.

Viral Video of Parthiban’s comments on Trisha:

Trisha on Parthiban: Stupidity Made Louder by a Microphone

Trisha Krishnan took to her social media to address the remarks made by Parthiban, expressing deep frustration over how her image was used without prior consent. She revealed that event organizers informed her that her name and picture were added to the program at the last minute following a request from an “individual’s assistant”. Slamming the nature of the commentary, she stated that a microphone does not make a comment intelligent or humorous, but merely makes stupidity louder. She further noted that crude words reveal more about the speaker than the person they are aimed at.

Trisha’s latest X (formerly twitter) post on the incident:

Parthiban Regrets Comments on Trisha: A Play on Words Gone Wrong

In an audio clip posted to his X timeline, R. Parthiban explained that his comment was an unintentional mistake made during a high-pressure rapid-fire session. He stated that when Trisha’s picture appeared, the crowd shouted “Kundavai,” and he attempted to play on the word—which in Tamil can also mean “to sit”—by suggesting she should “sit at home” to avoid problems. While the auditorium clapped, Parthiban admitted he later realized the comment was hurtful and requested it not be published, though a leaked video eventually went viral. He emphasized his respect for women’s freedom and expressed “wholehearted regret” for the pain caused.

R. Parthiban’s latest X (formerly twitter) post on the incident:

Vijay and Sangeetha’s Divorce Proceedings

The friction between the actors is set against the backdrop of Vijay’s highly publicized matrimonial dispute. Sangeetha Sornalingam has reportedly approached a district court seeking the dissolution of her marriage, citing “unfaithfulness and emotional distress”. The petition alleges that Sangeetha learned of Vijay’s involvement with another actress in 2021, an association that was reportedly visible at public events and international trips. This legal development, occurring shortly after Vijay and Trisha were seen side-by-side at a high-profile wedding in Chennai, has fueled the media storm that Parthiban’s comments inadvertently amplified.(With agencies inputs)