Kamal Ghorui
TRIGGER WARNING: This article includes references to sexual abuse.Singer Swagatha S Krishnan has shared a deeply disturbing account of abuse. The singer said the experience forced her to leave Chennai and rebuild her life in Rishikesh.Known for songs like Yeno Pennae and Kaadhal Kanmani, she spoke about the incident in a recent interview.
Allegations of abuse inside studio
During the interview with Sivasankari Talks, Swagatha described what she called “a very brutal sexual abuse.” She said the incident took place inside a music composer’s studio.The space, she noted, was one she once considered safe. “It was a soundproof room… even if I screamed, no one could hear me,” she said. She added that the room was locked and had multiple cameras, including hidden ones.She alleged that the accused recorded the incident and she also claimed that the footage was later used to threaten her.
Claims of threats and manipulation
According to Swagatha, the individual warned her that the recordings could be shared. She said she told him such actions were illegal. However, the singer admitted that fear stopped her from taking immediate steps.Swagatha described the accused as someone who followed a repeated pattern. He would first gain trust and present himself as supportive and he would then create emotional dependence before exploiting it.“He targets independent women… first borrows money, then delays paying them, and slowly takes control,” she said. She added that both financial and emotional manipulation were used together.
Pattern involving multiple victims
Swagatha said she later realised she was not alone. She claimed that several women had reached out to her with similar experiences, “Many women have fallen into this trap… even now it is continuing,” she stated. She also said she has seen proof supporting these claims.Swagatha further alleged disturbing behaviour inside the studio. According to her, secretly recording women—and even children—was treated “like a hobby.” She described this as voyeurism and said it left her deeply shaken.The singer also spoke about the impact the incident had on her life. She said she faced shaming, false accusations, and negative narratives within the industry. “They twisted the whole story,” she said.Swagatha added that even the accused person’s family allegedly contributed to damaging her reputation.Swagatha said the emotional toll was severe. She struggled with self-image and underwent skin treatments to cope. “I felt like the parts of my body he touched shouldn’t exist,” she said.She also described isolating herself and dealing with intense distress. Support from her sister and therapy helped her through the period.Although she had consulted lawyers and officials earlier, she chose not to file a complaint then.Now, she says she is ready to take legal action, “I will definitely do it legally… so no other woman goes through this,” she said.Swagatha is widely recognised for several popular tracks, with many of her most-streamed songs coming from film soundtracks. Some of her notable songs include “Yeno Pennae” from ‘Ispade Rajavum Idhaya Raniyum’ (with Sam C.S.), “Kaadhal Kanmani” from ‘Bachelor’ (with G.V. Prakash Kumar), “Apdi Paakadhadi” / “Apdi Pakaadhadi” from ‘Jada’, “Va Kanakku” from ‘Manmatha Leelai’ (which also has a lo-fi version), “Thenmozhi” from ‘Kaayal’ (with Anand Aravindakshan, released in 2025), “Raja Raja Kula” from ‘Nota’, “Dirty Pondatti” from ‘Kaatrin Mozhi’ (with Benny Dayal), “Yeththara Yeththara” (with Yazin Nizar), and “Aalaliloo” from ‘Diya’.DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, assault, or abuse, please seek immediate help. Reach out to a mental health specialist, NGO, or trusted individual. Several helplines are available to offer assistance.
