DISCLAIMER: This article contains references to sexual abuse.Singer Swagatha S Krishnan has shared a disturbing account of abuse. The singer said the experience forced him to leave Chennai and rebuild his life in Rishikesh.Known for songs like Yeno Pennae and Kaadhal Kanmani, he spoke about the incident in a recent interview.
Allegations of abuse within the studio
In an interview with Sivasankari Talks, Swagatha described what she called “a very brutal sexual abuse”. He said the incident took place inside a music composer’s studio.He stated that the space was once considered safe. “It was a soundproof room … even if I screamed, no one could hear me,” she said. He added that the room was locked and had multiple cameras, including hidden ones.He alleged that the accused recorded the incident and further said that the footage was later used to threaten him.
Claims of threats and manipulation
According to Swagatha, the individual warned him that the recordings could be shared. He said he was told such actions were illegal. However, the singer admitted that fear stopped him from taking immediate steps.He described accused Swagatha as someone who followed a repeated pattern. He would first gain trust and present himself as caring and then create an emotional dependency before exploiting him.“He targets independent women…first he borrows money, then he delays repayment, and slowly he takes control,” she said. He added that financial and emotional manipulation were used together.
A pattern involving multiple victims
Swagatha said she later realized she was not alone. She noted that several women have had similar experiences, “Many women have fallen into this trap…it continues even now,” she noted. He also said he has seen evidence to support these claims.Swagatha also reported disturbing behavior inside the studio. According to him, secretly recording women – and even children – was treated “as a hobby”. He described it as voyeurism and said it left him very shaken.The singer also spoke about the impact the incident had on his life. She said she faced shame, false accusations and negative narratives within the industry. “They’ve got the whole story wrong,” he said.Swagatha added that the accused’s family also allegedly helped to damage his reputation.Swagatha said the emotional toll was severe. She struggled with self-image and underwent skin treatments to combat it. “I felt like the parts of my body he touched shouldn’t exist,” she said.She also described isolating herself and dealing with great distress. His sister’s support and therapy helped him through that time.Although he had previously consulted with lawyers and officials, he then decided not to press charges.Now she says she’s ready to take legal action, “I’m definitely going to do it legally… so no other woman goes through this,” she said.Swagatha is widely known for several popular songs, and most of his songs are from his most played movie soundtracks. Some of his notable songs include “Yeno Pennae” (with Sam CS) from “Ispade Rajavum Idhaya Raniyum”, “Kaadhal Kanmani” (with GV Prakash Kumar) from “Bachelor”, “Apdi Paakadhadi” / “Apdi Pakaadhadi” from “Jada”, he also has a version of “Va Kanakhi-le” “Thenmozhi” from “Kaayal” (with Anand Aravindakshan, 2025 released), ‘Raja Raja Kula’ from ‘Nota’, ‘Dirty Pondatti’ (with Benny Dayal) from ‘Kaatrin Mozhi’, ‘Yeththara Yeththara’ (with Yazin Nizar) and ‘Dialiyaloo’.DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, assault or abuse, seek immediate help. Contact a mental health specialist, NGO or someone you trust. Several helplines are available to provide assistance.
