Lawrence Raghavendra hits back at Sri Reddy, challenges her to prove acting skills

Actor-choreographer-producer-director Lawrence Raghavendra has finally broken his silence on the allegations of sexual exploitation made against him by Telugu actress Sri Reddy.

The filmmaker, in a statement issued to the media, said that he "hadn't made any mistake".

It may be recalled that Sri Reddy, after creating a storm in the Telugu film industry by making casting couch allegations against a number of leading actors, directors and producers, also pointed at big names from the Tamil film industry, including filmmaker AR Murugadoss, actor Srikanth, director Sundar C and Lawrence.

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Lawrence has also challenged Reddy to prove her acting skills in front of the media. This is in reply to Reddy's claims that she was not given acting opportunities in spite of being a good actress.

Directly addressing Reddy in the statement, Lawrence said, "I will keep press meet, you [Reddy] also join the press meet. In front of all press people, I will give you a character and scene to act and give you some dance steps to dance...I will give you simple steps and dialogues, just the basic quality an actor should have. If you really have talent, act in front of me before the press. As a director, if I really feel you have talent, at that moment itself in front of [the] press, I will sign a [you for a] good character in my next movie and give advance [sic]."

He further added that he is not scared of facing the actress, but if she is uncomfortable acting in front of the media, she could give an audition in the presence of her lawyer.
 
"I haven’t done any mistake so I’m not scared to face you directly. If you act in my movie, maybe, you will get more chances and you might feel better. If you feel bad to act in front of everyone, then contact my manager, bring your lawyer and well wisher with you and show your acting to me. Definitely, I will help you. This reply is not because I got scared it is because I respect women a lot," the actor said.

To prove the respect he has for women, he pointed out that he has built a temple for his mother, which, he said, is dedicated to all women.

Refuting the allegations that he assaulted Reddy during the shoot of Rebel (2012), he questioned Reddy's silence for the past 7 years.
 
"Sri Reddy has told that she met me during the making of Telugu Rebel movie. It’s already been 7 years since I did Rebel movie. Then why didn’t she report this 7 years back itself? Okay, leave that. She told that she came to my hotel room and I misused her. She also stated that she saw God’s photos and rudraksha mala in my room. I am not a fool to keep rudraksha mala at hotels and do pooja. I’m directly saying to Sri Reddy, I haven’t done any mistake. I know about myself and God knows. After all this also, I’m not angry on you. I saw all your interviews I only feel pity on you [sic]."

Lawrence ended the statement saying, "Let’s talk good things and do good things. I pray for your good life."