(MENAFN- NewsBytes)
After 'Padmavati', now 'Tiger Zinda Hai' sees violent protests
23 Dec 2017
After 'Padmavati', Rajasthan is now the hotbed for protests against Salman Khan-starrer 'Tiger Zinda Hai'.
The controversy is centered on his alleged use of "bhangi", a Dalit sect of the Valmiki community.
Protesters tore posters, vandalized movie halls and burnt Khan's effigies.
But according to distributors Yash Raj Films, Khan used the word in an interview four years ago, so why the protests now?
What exactly did Salman Khan and Shilpa Shetty say?
Comments
In the old resurfaced clips, Khan is seen with Katrina Kaif in an interview, describing the difficulty he faced in doing some dance step.
"I look like a Bhangi doing this step," TimesNow quotes him as saying.
In another clip, actor Shilpa Shetty is heard using the same word to explain her look when she's home. "I look like a Bhangi," she says.
Protesters vandalize property, FIR against Khan and Shetty
Protests
Angry protesters vandalized property in Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota, Udaipur, and even UP and MP, The Quint reported.
"Constitutionally, using this word ("bhangi") is an abuse; it has hurt the sentiments of Valmiki community," said Jitendra Hatwal Valmiki, a social worker.
In several places, protesters were arrested.
Meanwhile, FIRs have been filed against Khan and Shetty at a Mumbai police station for hurting sentiments.
'Comments came four years ago, why protests now?'
Fact
Yash Raj Films has questioned the timing. "Salman Khan had used the word in an interview some four years ago and many of his movies got released during this period; then why this protest now?" It also claimed despite the protests, moviegoers weren't affected.
Not the first controversy to hit 'Tiger Zinda Hai'
MNS/Sena
This isn't even the first controversy to hit 'Tiger Zinda Hai'. Earlier, MNS and Shiv Sena leaders joined hands and said: "Our tiger is zindaa too."
Their contention point is, Marathi films like 'Devaa' and 'Ek Atrangi' which are releasing alongside would suffer losses.
Reportedly, the producers of 'Tiger' have booked maximum multiplexes and single-screens across Mumbai, leaving Marathi cinema with fewer screens.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan becoming a hotbed for violent protests
Padmavati
Last month, Rajasthan was rocked by protests over 'Padmavati', which the Karni Sena alleged showed Rajput queen Padmini in a negative light.
The controversy took a dark turn when a body was found hanging at the Nahargarh Fort surrounded by slogans against the movie.
The Censor Board hasn't cleared the film yet. The makers have indefinitely delayed its release.
MENAFN2312201701650000ID1096266173
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.