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Tamil film actor Silambarasan, popularly known as Simbu, has been asked to appear before the police on December 19 for an inquiry with regard to a song reportedly rendered by him which allegedly denigrates women.
Based on a complaint lodged by All India Democratic Women's Association with City Police Commissioner, A Amalraj, cases have been registered against Simbu and Anirudh Ravichander, who has allegedly composed the music for the Beep Song.
The summons was handed over to the actor's father T Rajendar in Chennai which asked Simbu to appear at the Race Course Police station on Saturday, police said.
However, Ravichander of Kolaveri Di fame has denied composing the tune for the song. The music director, who is currently in Toronto took to Twitter to explain his stand in the matter.
"I was preoccupied with my concert in Toronto dedicated to the flood victims in Tamil Nadu. I would like to clarify my stand on the subject of the Beep Song. It is neither my composition, nor my lyrics and I am not the singer. Unfortunately and to my dismay, my name has been dragged into this controversy. I have the greatest regard and respect for women as can be clearly seen in many of my own compositions. I deeply regret this undesirable situation, putting an end to all speculations, regarding the same."
Simbu, on the other hand, remains unapologetic. In an interview to a popular daily, the talented actor clarified that since the song was not officially released, no one had the right to be critical.
The 34-year-old star claimed that the song was from his personal collection recorded by music composer Anirudh and himself during one of their many jamming sessions together.
Meanwhile, the Students' Federation of India staged a protest outside the actor's house taking exception to the portrayal of women in the song. An online petition has been launched seeking a ban on the song as well.
Titled Ban The Beep Song, the online petition addressed to the Censor Board in the state by a woman, termed it "extremely derogatory" and wanted the board to "ban the song from being released in a movie or album" besides banning its public broadcast.
The petition, put up on the portal change.org. and supported by over 200 people, also sought uploading the song online, especially on YouTube, be made an 'offence.'