Chennai: From 8 October, women have been sharing allegations of sexual harassment against lyricist-writer Vairamuthu. Singer Chinmayi spoke about incidents she faced in 2000-2006. Even as she faced the wrath of some people on social media, two other women stepped forward with their experiences last evening. A musician based in USA, Sindhuja Rajaram, said how Vairamuthu harassed her through phone calls.
She was 18 and working at Kosmic Studio. Her family came in touch with the lyricist to admit her into a hostel run by him. They eventually did not as the hostel timings did not suit them. However, Vairamuthu took Sindhuja’s number on the pretext of getting her a chance to sing.
But soon he began disturbing her through phone calls proposing to her and asking her to meet him.
She eventually made a male friend answer the call which only angered him. The calls stopped coming only when Sundhuja stopped answering them, reports say.
Another woman, seeking anonymity, shared her ordeal when Vairamuthu wanted to her to travel with him to Malaysia.
The singer and anchor with a popular Tamil TV channel said the incident took place in 1998-1999.
He had heard her voice and showered praise and began calling her daily and said he would introduce her to A R Rahman.
However, things took a different turn when Vairamuthu asked her if she would accompany him to Malaysia.
When she asked, “For anchoring or singing?” He responded saying, “Not for either. Do you not understand? These things are common in the industry. Pattum padama nadandhukanum (you have to act like this is casual).”
A week later, Vairamuthu called her again to ask if he should book the tickets. When she said, “No”, he is said to have threatened her that he would close every door for her.
Yesterday, in a video message, the lyricist said, “The allegations made against me are absolutely false. They are filled with ulterior motives.”
He said if the allegations were true, those involved could initiate legal proceedings against him.