From the given options, select the word which is opposite in meaning to the underlined word: India's top star was in the news for churlishly refusing a generous film deal.

Option 1 -> sullenly means in a bad-tempered manner, which is similar to churlishly, not opposite.

Option 2 -> unpleasantly means in a disagreeable way, which is similar to churlishly, not opposite.

Option 3 -> rudely means in an impolite manner, which is similar to churlishly, not opposite.

Option 4 -> politely means in a courteous and respectful manner, which is the direct opposite of churlishly.

Hence, Option 4: politely -> "Churlishly" means behaving in a rude, bad-tempered, or ungracious way. The opposite would be acting with courtesy and good manners, which is captured by "politely." -> correct