“Artistes Have To Do What…”: Arjun Kapoor, Javed Akhtar React To SRK, Deepika Padukone ‘Pathaan’ Controversy
Arjun Kapoor and Javed Akhtar are the newest celebrities to react to Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s ‘Pathaan’ controversy. Here’s what they said.
Shah Rukh Khan’s comeback film ‘Pathaan’ has been in the eye of a storm ever since its first song ‘Besharam Rang’ released. The upcoming Bollywood movie, also featuring Deepika Padukone and John Abraham, landed in trouble over the ‘Piku’ actress’ bikini colour in the dance number. Several celebrities have since offered their two cents on the controversy surrounding ‘Besharam Rang’. And the newest celebrities to comment on the controversy are Arjun Kapoor and Javed Akhtar.
For the unversed, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra had earlier said that ‘Pathaan’ screening shouldn't be allowed in the state unless some "scenes and costumes are corrected".
Renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar recently spoke about the controversy on the sidelines of the launch of ‘Jadunama’, a coffee table book.
Weighing in on Narottam Mishra’s comments, Javed Akhtar said, “If he (the minister) thinks there should be a separate censor board for Madhya Pradesh, they should watch the film separately. And if they are unhappy with the Centre's film certification, we should not come in between them, it is between them and the Centre.”
On being asked about the recently constituted 'Dharma Censor Board', Javed commented, "There is one censor board in MP, then this is there and one censor board of the centre is also there. What is the problem? We have four-five important 'dharmas' and they should have their censors. Maybe then moulvis (under Islam) will start watching films. Do it, do it!"
Further talking about the ‘Besharam Rang’ controversy, Javed Akhtar said, “It is not for me or you to decide whether the song is right or wrong. We have an agency.”
He also said that the people should trust the certification provided by the censor board and the cuts suggested by them.
Arjun Kapoor also commented on the controversy by giving a rather neutral stance over it.
In an interaction with India Today, the ‘Kuttey’ actor said, “I think the fact that we are discussing it will give undue advantage to it at this point. We have to trust our censor board and the central government as they operate together.”
Arjun Kapoor also opined that artistes have to go with what the film demands and deliver it with utmost authenticity.
“I think everybody has a right to an opinion in a democracy, but we as artistes have to do what the film demands and have to stick to that authenticity. I don’t think we need to get caught up in a question that gives undue importance to things that create unnecessary banter and chatter,” he added.
“Our job should always be to do what is needed for the film and then give the film to the people who can decide what offends them and what doesn’t. I think we have followed that for a long time. Every film that gets made has to follow a process, even our film is no exception. We should just trust the process and the rules in a democracy,” Arjun Kapoor further said.
Directed by Siddarth Anand of ‘War’ fame, ‘Pathaan’ is set to release in theatres on January 25.
