Television actress Shweta Tiwari has spoken out against the abuse women face on social media after allegedly receiving derogatory messages from people she claimed were supporters of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray.

Taking to her Instagram Stories, the ‘Kasautii Zindagi Kay’ actress shared a series of lengthy notes addressing what she described as the “deeply concerning” and “unfortunately very common” practice of using abusive language against women online. Shweta began by questioning how men from different backgrounds, including those who are educated and come from respectable families, could feel comfortable using degrading language against women. She pointed out that many of these men have mothers, wives, daughters, and sisters, yet still resort to such abuse online.

Shweta then alleged that some of the people abusing her were supporters of Raj Thackeray or his party. Reflecting on her connection with Maharashtra, she said she had spent her entire life in the state and had grown up believing that Marathi culture valued the dignity and strength of women.

The actress wrote, “Today I want to talk about something that is both deeply concerning and unfortunately very common on social media: calling a woman: r. Any woman. Of any age. From any profession. Any man from any background can come online and call a woman r. And what shocks me is that these men are not necessarily uneducated or from troubled backgrounds. Many of them are educated, seemingly come from respectible families, have wives, mothers, daughters and sisters. And yet feel completely comfortable using the most degrading word they can think of for another woman.” (sic)

The ‘Mere Dad Ki Dulhan’ actress added, “And I thought how do you go home to that family after speaking to another woman like this? Apparently he is also a supporter of Raj Thackeray or his party. And that brings me to something very personal. I have lived in Maharashtra all my life. My father was brought up in Mumbai. All my life I have grown up seeing the pride and dignity attached to being a Marathi maanus… I grew up believing that Marathi culture respected women, their strength and their dignity.”

“So when I see people who proudly identify as Marathi maanus coming into women’s DMs and calling them r****, I genuinely have to ask: Is this what being a Marathi maanus has come to mean? Raj Thackeray, if people like this are your supporters, then I would genuinely like to know, do you believe this is acceptable behaviour? Because speaking Marathi, calling yourself a Marathi manus or claiming to love Maharashtra is not enough.”

Shweta Tiwari concluded writing, “Because a woman doesn’t lose her dignity just because you don’t know her. And she certainly doesn’t deserve to be called r**** simply becaue you disagree with her, dislike her or feel entitled to abuse her. Respect women not only the women you love but women. Period.” (sic)

Earlier, Shweta had made headlines after she shared a video claiming that she found a cockroach in a Red Bull can ordered through Instamart. “We ordered Red Bull from Instamart, and we also received a cockroach with that,” she said.

Actors Jr NTR, Vishnu Manchu and director and choreographer Prabhu Deva have offered their condolences to the late actress Sowcar Janaki, who passed away on Friday at the age of 94.
Jr NTR took to his X, formerly Twitter, and penned a long note for the actress. He wrote in Telugu, “The news of the passing of Shaukaru Janaki Garu, who left her unique mark in Telugu and Indian cinema, has caused immense sorrow.

Janaki Garu’s cinematic journey and the characters she portrayed will forever remain in our memories. Praying for peace to her soul… My deepest condolences to the family members”.The actress is survived by her husband, and their 3 children, and 4 grandchildren. The actress had been hospitalised in Chennai after falling ill due to age-related health issues.

Vishnu Manchu wrote, “Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Sowcar Janaki garu. Her grace, dignity and remarkable body of work will live on for generations. For the youngsters today, you must look up what a legendary person she was. My heartfelt condolences to her family. Om Shanti”.Prabhu Deva wrote, “RIP, Sowcar Janaki Amma”.Actor Kayal Devaraj shared, “#SowcarJanaki Madam has passed away today at 1.59 pm Smt Sankaramanchi Janaki also known as Sowcar Janaki Age : 94 years. Smt. Sowcar Janaki is one of the most respected senior artistes of Indian cinema, with an extraordinary body of work spanning 400 movies in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam cinema over seven decades.

In recognition of her distinguished and lifelong contribution to Indian art and cinema, she was conferred the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2022 at New Delhi. Late husband name – Sankaramanchi Srinivasa Rao Three children 1. Yagna Prabha Koty 2. Venkataramana Sankaramanchi 3. Sachi Rao and 4 grand children 1. Vaishnavi Aravind 2. Dev Prasad Koty 3. Dr. Sanjai Rao 4. Rishi Sankaramanchi And 4 great grand children”.

Actor and narrator Vijay Vikram Singh has said that it is “very difficult” to imagine Bigg Boss without Salman Khan, given the superstar’s long-standing association with the reality show.In an exclusive conversation with IANS, the ‘Ikka’ actor called Salman an “integral” part of the show and spoke about the strong connection he shares with its audience. Sharing his views on Salman Khan’s role as the host, Vijay said that while Bigg Boss can continue without any one individual, Salman’s long-standing association with the show has made his presence an integral part of its identity and its connection with the audience.

He said, “No, no, I can be totally separated. If you don’t hear this tomorrow afternoon at 12 o’clock, then also your life will go on. If Mr. Khan is not there, then it is possible with the show. So, a lot of people are connected because Mr. Khan is there.”Vijay went on to acknowledge Salman’s strong association with the reality show, adding that it is now difficult to imagine Bigg Boss in its current form without the superstar. “So, Salman, sir, is an integral part of the show. And without him, it is very difficult to imagine the show now. Like, it is very difficult to imagine Khatron Ke Khiladi without Rohit Shetty sir,” he said.

Salman Khan has been associated with “Bigg Boss” for several seasons and has become one of the most recognizable faces of the franchise. The ‘Sultan’ actor began hosting Bigg Boss in 2010 with Season 4 and has since become synonymous with the reality show. He continued as the host through Season 17 and is also set to return for the upcoming Season 18.Before Salman Khan took over as host, “Bigg Boss” saw Arshad Warsi host Season 1, followed by Shilpa Shetty in Season 2 and Amitabh Bachchan in Season 3. The ‘Kick’ actor then began hosting the show with Season 4 in 2010 and continued as the host through Season 17.

Meanwhile, Vijay Vikram Singh remains closely associated with “Bigg Boss,” having served as the show’s narrator for several seasons. His distinctive voice has become a recognizable part of the reality show.