Anurag Kashyap Issues Apology Over Brahmin Comment, Calls for Respect for Family
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has shared a public apology after facing backlash over his comments regarding the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and Brahmins, which stirred controversy amidst the ongoing Phule censorship issue. The comments, which involved harsh language against Brahmins, led to a major uproar, with Kashyap receiving rape and death threats against his family. His response came in the form of a heartfelt apology on Instagram, where he emphasized that he would not retract his original statements but was sorry for the way they were misinterpreted.
Anurag Kashyap's Apology on Instagram: A Statement to His Critics
In his Instagram post, Anurag Kashyap clarified that his apology was not for his original post but for a specific line that had been "taken out of context." Kashyap wrote, "No action or speech is worth your daughter, family, friends and colleagues getting rape and death threats from the kingpins of sanskar." In his message, Kashyap made it clear that he was apologizing for the consequences of his comment on his family, who had become victims of violent threats due to his outspoken opinions.
He further emphasized that if anyone wanted to abuse him for his comments, they were free to do so, but his family should not be dragged into it. "So kahi hui baat wapis nahin li ja sakti aur na loonga lekin mujhe jo gaali dena hai do," he stated, adding that his family had no involvement in his remarks.
The "M*******a" Comment That Sparked Outrage
Kashyap’s apology followed his controversial Instagram story, where he had responded to a comment calling Brahmins his "father." In his response, Kashyap used offensive language, which was quickly shared and criticized across social media. His reply was a direct attack on the Brahmin community, calling them the "laziest people" who hide behind scriptures while belittling others.
The backlash from this comment prompted an advocate to file a formal complaint against Kashyap in Mumbai, urging the police to take legal action. At the time of writing, there was no update on whether an FIR had been registered against Kashyap.
The controversy surrounding Phule, a film based on the lives of social reformers Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, played a significant role in fueling tensions. The film, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, had already encountered a series of censorship demands from the CBFC, including the removal of terms like 'Mang', 'Mahar', and 'Peshwai'. The CBFC also asked for the line '3,000 saal purani ghulami' to be changed to 'kai saal purani ghulami'. These changes were made to comply with the CBFC's directives.
Despite these efforts, the film's portrayal of Brahmin characters led to protests from certain sections of the community. As a result, the release of Phule was delayed, and the film will now release on April 25. The film has garnered attention for its portrayal of caste discrimination and gender inequality, with Phule being hailed as an important social reform film.
In conclusion, Anurag Kashyap’s apology serves as a response to the immense controversy triggered by his outspoken comments on Brahmins and the Phule censorship issue. His remarks, which touched a nerve with several communities, have sparked a wider conversation about censorship, freedom of expression, and the impact of social media on public discourse.
While Kashyap’s apology seems aimed at distancing himself from the violent threats directed at his family, it remains to be seen how the fallout from this incident will affect his future in the industry. For now, the controversy over Phule and the larger issues surrounding the film’s portrayal of caste discrimination and social justice continue to dominate discussions in the Indian film industry.
This situation highlights the complex intersection of freedom of speech, the media, and the consequences of social media engagement in today’s digital world.
