Actor Varalaxmi Breaks Down on Set, Opens Up About Childhood Sexual Abuse (Watch Video)

When Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, a Tamil-Telugu actor, talked about experiencing sexual abuse as a child, she recently broke down on the set of Zed Tamil's dance performance.  The actor, who judges the show, expressed support for participant Kemy after she shared her experience of familial harassment.  Varalaxmi hugged Kemy to show her support and to say that her story was her story.  Kemy talked about being sexually harassed and disappointed by her family during one of the dance-based reality show's episodes.  After hearing Kemy's narrative, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, who is renowned for maintaining her composure, started crying.

Varalaxmi said, "I am just like you.  Due to their jobs at the time, my parents, actor Sarathkumar and Chaya, used to leave me in the care of others.  As a child, I was abused by five or six people.  My story is your story.  I'm a childless woman.  However, I advise parents to teach their kids the difference between "good touch" and "bad touch."  She apologised and stated that she is not accustomed to crying in front of the camera.  Actor Sneha, a fellow judge, stated that sharing her tale requires courage and that she shouldn't apologise.

Bravery like this sparks hope ✨ More power to you, @varusarathkumar ❤#DanceJodiDanceReloaded3#WatchForFree#ZEE5Tamil#Varalaxmipic.twitter.com/LQtHZrl0pf

— ZEE5 Tamil (@ZEE5Tamil) March 25, 2025

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Varalaxmi, who recently made her acting debut in director Bala's Vanangaan, is the daughter of legendary actor Sarathkumar and Chaya. The actress from Poda Podi had previously spoken out about sexual harassment on multiple occasions.  Through her Save Shakti Foundation, she has also been outspoken about helping survivors. 

Regarding her career, she last appeared in Madha Gaja Raja, directed by Sundar C., which came out 12 years after it was filmed.  The movie was an unexpected box office success in Pongal.

Her brave disclosure is anticipated to spark important conversations around child safety and the long-term psychological effects of abuse. Varalaxmi, who is well-known for speaking out against injustice and taking a strong stand against sexual harassment in the film industry, takes her bold image to a new level with her most recent revelation.