Don’t watch Padmaavat, instead see Tiger Zinda Hai which inspires one to join Army: Maha Minister
Jaikumar Rawal (inset) urged cinegoers to give Padmaavat a miss
In a bizarre statement, a BJP minister from Maharashtra urged cinegoers to give Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat a miss, and instead watch Salman Khan’s Tiger Zinda Hai for ‘patriotic reasons’.
While speaking to media persons today, Maharashtra’s Minister for Tourism Jaikumar Rawal urged people to avoid watching Padmaavat, labelling it a ‘distortion of history’, as it portrays the erstwhile Rajput queen in a bad light.
The minister also suggested people to watch films like Tiger Zinda Hai, which he claimed were more inspiring.
“I would appeal please don’t watch this. There are so many other movies. Tiger Zinda Hai, look at Salman Khan’s movies. It inspires so much, you feel like joining the Army. That kind of themes you should come up with,” he told ANI.
Rawal, who is a Rajput himself, also alleged that Bhansali’s sole intention was to earn money and not show the real history.
“To earn money if Sanjay Leela Bhansali would’ve pleaded to the society at large, I would have started with a donation of Rs 10-12 Lakh to start to fill his coffers. Money was his agenda, it’s not that he wants to show some history,” he added.
To earn money if Sanjay Leela Bhansali would’ve pleaded to the society at large, I would have started with a donation of Rs 10-12 Lakh to start to fill his coffers. Money was his agenda, it’s not that he wants to show some history: Jaykumar Rawal, Maharashtra Minister #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/i6IzVJeYz2
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018
The statement drew sharp criticism from netizens, many of whom suggested that the minister remain focused on serving the state instead of giving impetus to fringe groups.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra government has promised to give protection to theatres screening the period drama in the state.
“It is our responsibility to follow the SC order and provide security to theatres. We have spoken to theatre owners and their organisations, promising them security to ensure peaceful release,” Deepak Kesarkar, Minister of State for Home was quoted saying.
Surprisingly, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has come out in support of the film and promised to give protection to its actors and directors in case any outfit opposes its release.
The MNS, incidentally, had taken objection the release of films like Bombay (for not using Mumbai) and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (for casting Pakistani actors) in the past by resorting to similar tactics that are being used by right-wing outfits like the Karni Sena for Padmaavat.
