Responding to Chiranjeevi's comments, Shyamala questioned, "Should an heir always be a son? Can't daughters be heirs too?" She expressed her confusion over his remarks, stating that only Chiranjeevi knows what he meant. She further added that many, including Chiranjeevi, should move away from the belief that only sons can be heirs. In today's generation, women are excelling in all fields, making such statements inappropriate. She also pointed out that Chiranjeevi’s daughter-in-law, Upasana, successfully runs her business, proving that daughters can also carry forward a legacy.

The controversy started at the pre-release event of the movie Brahma Anandam, starring Brahmanandam and his son Raja Gautham. As the chief guest, Chiranjeevi expressed his desire to have a grandson to continue his legacy. He humorously mentioned that he feels like a ladies' hostel warden at home, surrounded by women. He urged Ram Charan to have a son, jokingly expressing concern that he might end up having another daughter instead.

 However, Chiranjeevi’s comments were criticized for being sexist. Many netizens reacted strongly, condemning his views. Social media users pointed out that even in 2025, some people still believe that only male heirs can carry forward a legacy. His remarks have sparked debate, with many calling for a change in such outdated mindsets.