Filmmaker and Actor Anurag Kashyap has issued an apology on Instagram after the backlash over his recent remarks on the Brahmin community. The controversy erupted amidst ongoing discussions surrounding the delay of his upcoming film “Phule,” which faced objections and censorship concerns.
Kashyap’s Remarks Spark Outrage After “Phule” Censorship Debate
The controversy began when Anurag Kashyap voiced his frustration over the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) suggested changes to “Phule,” a biopic based on the lives of social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. While questioning the existence of the caste system in light of the censorship, Kashyap engaged in a heated exchange with a social media user. When the user commented, “Brahmin Tumhare Baap Hain, jitna tumhari sulgegi utna tumhari sulgayenge” (Brahmins are your fathers, the more you get worked up, the more they will rile you up), Kashyap responded with a highly offensive remark: “Brahmin pe main mootunga… koi problem?” (I will urinate on Brahmins… any problem?).
Kashyap’s crude response went viral, triggering widespread outrage and condemnation from the Brahmin community and various social media users. Many expressed their deep offence at his disrespectful language and demanded an apology. The remark further intensified the already sensitive debate surrounding “Phule” and its portrayal of caste dynamics in 19th-century India.
Anurag Kashyap Issues Apology on Instagram Citing Family Threats
Facing severe backlash and potential legal repercussions, Anurag Kashyap took to Instagram to issue an apology. However, his apology was nuanced, stating that it was not for his initial post questioning the caste system but for the “one line taken out of context” – his offensive remark about Brahmins.
In his Instagram post, Kashyap wrote in Hindi, “This is my apology, not for my post but for that one line taken out of context and the brewing hatred. No action or speech is worth your daughter, family, friends and colleagues getting rape and death threats from the kingpins of sanskar. So kahi hui baat wapis nahin li ja sakti aur na loonga lekin mujhe jo gaali dena hai do. Mere parivaar ne na kuchh kaha hai na kahta hai. Isliye agar mujhse maafi hi chaahiye to ye meri apology hai.
Brahmin log, aurton ko baksh do itna sanskar to Shastro mein bhi hai.” (This is my apology, not for my post but for that one line taken out of context and the brewing hatred. No action or speech is worth your daughter, family, friends and colleagues getting rape and death threats from the kingpins of sanskar. So what has been said cannot be taken back and I won’t take it back, but you can abuse me. My family has neither said anything nor do they ever speak. So if you want an apology from me, this is my apology. Brahmin people, spare the women, even the scriptures have that much decency.)
“Phule” Faces Hurdles and Release Delay
The controversy surrounding Kashyap’s remarks adds another layer to the challenges faced by “Phule.” Originally scheduled for release on April 11, the film encountered objections from groups like the Akhil Bhartiya Brahmin Samaj and Parshuram Aarthik Vikas Mahamandal, who raised concerns about the portrayal of the Brahmin community. The CBFC also suggested several changes to the film, which the makers reportedly incorporated. The release date was subsequently pushed to April 25.
“Phule” stars Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa in the lead roles and revolves around the groundbreaking work of Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, who played a pivotal role in challenging caste and gender discrimination in 19th-century India. The film is one of the most anticipated biopics of the year, highlighting the couple’s significant contributions to social reform.
Apology of Anurag Kashyap Attempts to Quell Growing Anger
Anurag Kashyap’s apology appears to be an attempt to de-escalate the growing anger and potential legal action following his offensive remark. By citing the threats against his family, he underscores the seriousness of the situation. However, how the Brahmin community receives his apology and how it influences the overall controversy surrounding Phule remain to be seen as the film gears up for its rescheduled release.
