Megastar Chiranjeevi’s recent remarks about wanting a grandson to continue his family lineage have sparked widespread discussion, with many social media users calling out the underlying gender bias in his statements.
The veteran actor made the comments at the pre-release event of Brahma Anandam, where he was the Chief Guest. Reflecting on his family life, Chiranjeevi joked that he feels like the warden of a “ladies’ hostel” as he is surrounded by women at home.
“When I’m at home, it doesn’t feel like I’m surrounded by my granddaughters; it feels like I’m a ladies’ hostel warden, surrounded by ladies all around,” he said. He went on to express his desire for a male grandchild, addressing his son, actor Ram Charan, directly. “I keep wishing and telling (Ram) Charan, at least this time, to have a boy so that our legacy continues, but his daughter is the apple of his eye…”
Chiranjeevi is scared his son Ram Charan might have another daughter In 2025, the obsession with a male heir continues. Disappointing, but not surprising – PS – I have a girl and I have heard from 100s of people to give birth to a boy next. It feels horrible when people… pic.twitter.com/1jP81E0QT3 — Naveena (@TheNaveena) February 12, 2025
Chiranjeevi, who has two daughters—Sreeja Konidela and Sushmita Konidela—besides his son Ram Charan, added that he was “scared” his son might have another daughter. Ram Charan and his wife, Upasana, welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Klin Kaara, in June 2023.
The remarks did not sit well with many on social media, with users pointing out the outdated mindset reflected in Chiranjeevi’s comments.
A user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “The post highlights an issue that’s unfortunately still prevalent in 2025. It’s disheartening to see someone of Chiranjeevi’s stature perpetuate outdated gender biases. The obsession with a male heir is not only disappointing but also a reflection of a societal mindset that needs urgent change.”
Another comment read, “Chiranjeevi, with his influence, could be advocating for equality and breaking these stereotypes, yet here we are, discussing his fear of having another granddaughter. It’s time to evolve, to recognize that every child, regardless of gender, is a blessing and contributes equally to legacy.”
One user also pointed out that women can carry forward a legacy just as well as men. “His granddaughter could also take his legacy forward. He only has to look at how his daughter-in-law and her siblings are successfully leading Apollo or how Ashwini Dutt’s children are handling their business. Regressive thinking.”
While Chiranjeevi’s remarks were likely made in jest, they have reignited a broader conversation about deep-seated gender biases in Indian society, particularly regarding inheritance and family legacy.