Speaking a meet held on Tuesday under the aegis of MAA, Harish Shankar slammed the TV anchor who recently abused film fraternity's women.

"I was cautioned against attending this press meet. I was told that no media outlet will cover this meet.  Today, the media is the first one to stand with us.  I asked the dissuaders if I should keep quiet until the day men too are abused by some anchor.  Why should I be scared of condemning it when someone audaciously abused our industry people?" he asked.

"In our films, our heroes respect even female villains," the 'Duvvada Jagannadham' director said.

"What was the anchor thinking when he used those words?  Did he want to be called a very bold and frank host?  Did he expect a salary hike?  It's up to the TV channel how it wants to punish him.  We expect the media to show solidarity towards the film industry," he added.