I Did Not Ask The PM To Apologise: Anurag Explains Controversial Tweets
Anurag Kashyap had to release a statement defending his tweet which was roundly criticised for being disrespectful to PM Narendra Modi
Anurag Kashyap had started his Sunday morning
with a a volley of tweets questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi after
the Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India’s (COEAI) decided to ban
Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, citing patriotic reasons. He said that if
filmmakers are being rebuked for casting Pakistani actors, the PM, who had
visited Pakistan last year, too should not be spared (Anurag Kashyap Goes On Twitter Rampage Again, Says He Has Every Right To Question The Prime Minister, Oct 16).
Anurag soon became the target of angry tweeple who called
him out for being disrespectful to the PM Modi.
Even the Bollywood fraternity was not supportive of his
views. For example this was Mukesh Bhatt's response: "Pradhanmantri ko is
tarah chhoti chhoti baaton ke liye disturb nahi karna chahiye. Unke paas aur
bhi badey badey important kaam hain. Wo yahi sab dekhte rahenge kya."
The media coverage which followed, too remained critical
of the filmmaker's angsty tweets.Now Anurag Kashyap has released a lengthy
statement, saying that he is tired of Bollywood becoming the scapegoat in an
issue which involves international borders.
Anurag wrote: "It's unfortunate that I have to
explain my intention behind my tweet, because others and my industry colleagues
have to suffer for me having an opinion. I am tired of the film industry
being soft targets. We are damned if we do, damned if we don’t! When we don’t
involve ourselves, they ask “why is Bollywood quiet now?” When we involve
ourselves, we become the scapegoats to distract you from the real news. Either
way they use us to sensationalise news. Still, I’d rather put my opinions out
there on my own platform, then give the media a bite. NO, Anurag Kashyap did
not “ask the PM to apologise”( which most of the headlines would want you to
believe, no one has their mind anyways) ,I merely questioned the fairness in
judgement of a situation: the PM visited Pakistan for talks at the same time
that a filmmaker was working with a Pakistani actor. Neither was aware of future
events or mood. Yet only one pays the price. I’m also well aware that the
government did not cry “BAN" or demand that Pakistani artists be sent
back. Just as I’m aware that the PM himself doesn’t censor my films. But we
elected them and so it is their responsibility to protect us from bullies -
media or political parties. And when the governing party's designated members
don't respond in hours of crisis because they are second guessing the mood of
the PM then I would rather talk straight to the PM himself. There was
also sarcasm in the tweet that followed; ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ was for those
mindless trollers who constantly ask for proof of your patriotism. Apparently
thats all it takes. It was a jibe at them. Patriotic slogans don’t absolve you
from it all. I hope this explains . "
Thumbnail Image Source: Manav Manglani & visvabharti
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