Chennai, March 17 -- The South Indian Film Artistes Association (SIAA) has strongly condemned the "derogatory and shameful" remarks made by former Tamil Nadu minister and AIADMK's Rajya Sabha member of Parliament CV Shanmugam against actor Nayanthara, and demanded an immediate apology.

In a statement addressed to the MP, the association said it had received widespread outrage from members of the film fraternity following a video of his recent speech. It stressed that while political parties are free to express their ideologies during elections, elected representatives must maintain dignity and responsibility in their public remarks.

"To Honorable Member of Parliament Mr C V Shanmugam, we have come across the extremely derogatory and sha...