Lakshmi Manchu Opens Up on Childhood Harassment

Telugu actress and producer Lakshmi Manchu has revealed a terrifying experience she faced at the age of 15, recalling how she was inappropriately touched during her school years. The actor described the incident as deeply humiliating and something that left a lasting scar on her young, impressionable mind.

In a candid conversation, Lakshmi shared that she grew up in a privileged environment, often escorted to school by a driver, bodyguard, and her mother. However, on one occasion, she had to travel alone on public transport to collect her exam hall tickets, and that’s when the harrowing incident occurred.

“The violation I faced… what is this ugly feeling? I was 15 years old then. I don’t know if they knew I was just a little child. I moved away and didn’t get into a fight. I shared it with my girlfriends, and they said it happened to them too. I wasn’t singled out as a special girl for this to happen. It happens to everyone,” Lakshmi said.

The actress also reflected on how people from prominent or affluent families are often assumed to stay silent when faced with such incidents. “Sometimes people want to mess with you when you’re from a big family because they assume you won’t speak out. If a theft happens in my house, I can’t go out and say it. Let the Rs 15,000 go — that’s how I’ve been raised. Be careful with your things, but if something goes missing, you don’t want to put your name out there unnecessarily,” she added.

Lakshmi revealed that the MeToo movement was an emotional moment for her. She admitted she “fell down crying” when she read the accounts shared on flyers by the Women’s Commission, realizing that every incident listed had happened to her in some form.

Lakshmi Manchu began her acting career in the American television series Las Vegas, playing a minor role as Sarasvati Kumar, and went on to appear in single episodes of shows like Desperate Housewives, Late Nights with My Lover, and Mystery ER. She has also featured in commercials for major brands like Toyota, AARP, and Chevrolet.

The daughter of Telugu superstar Mohan Babu, Lakshmi has earned critical acclaim over the years, winning two Filmfare Awards South and two Nandi Awards for her work. In recent times, she has been seen on the reality show The Traitors, further expanding her presence in the entertainment industry.

Through her candid revelations, Lakshmi Manchu has once again highlighted the pervasive issue of harassment, shedding light on how such experiences affect even those from privileged backgrounds, and emphasizing the importance of speaking out against abuse.