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

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I Did Not Ask The PM To Apologise: Anurag Explains Controversial Tweets

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