I guess I belong to those with a "contaminated mentality" since I thoroughly enjoyed watching two supremely fit Bollywood superstars dancing energetically to the just-released track 'Besharam Rang' from a potential blockbuster called 'Pathaan', due for release next month. Now I am wondering what to do about the "contamination" - how do I rid myself of the toxic material? The mind is a little more complex than, say, a bowl of contaminated noodles. But I doubt my bewilderment is of the slightest interest to Dr. Narottam Mishra (62) who is spluttering with rage over the picturization of the hit track featuring the leads - Deepika Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan. The Minister-ji, who holds the Home Affairs portfolio in the Madhya Pradesh government, has issued a stern warning to the producers: "Fix the costumes or else..." His anger is not over just the 'costume' (bikini), he also sees a sinister plot in the choice of its colour - a sunny tangerine to most viewers, but unequivocally saffron to the minister whose PhD thesis is titled The Role of an MLA in the progress of Indian Democracy.
Shabaash, Sir-ji, since you have the democracy roadmap in place, why not take a fresh look at what the word 'democracy' means? Are threats to film-makers and actors a part of the democratic process? You Sir-ji, see 'saffron', viewers see orange. You imply conspiracy, viewers see entertainment. The suggestion that a 'Muslim man' (SRK), dressed in a green shirt (looks black in the trailer), groping a Hindu woman (Deepika Padukone), clad in a "saffron" bikini, is a deliberate act designed to offend national sentiments is ludicrous at best and dangerous at worst. Already, those misplaced comments made to reporters in Mhow District have triggered a violent backlash with activists of some Veer Shivaji group burning effigies of the stars.
Sir-ji, please socho a little before saying you want the colours to be "rectified'' and certain scenes "corrected". You've also demanded the lyrics and title of the song be altered. Why? Is this the first orange bikini song in Bollywood? Remember Dimple Kapadia in 'Bobby' (1973)? You were 13 at the time, and perhaps more open, less brain-washed in your thinking. The 'contamination' complex may have come later. 16-year-old Dimple was shown happily cavorting in an orange (saffron?) bikini with lovelorn hero Rishi Kapoor gazing longingly at her. Can't recall the colour of his shirt - was it green? No effigies were burnt, nor any 'rectification' demanded. Riots did not rock India. The movie became a blockbuster and continues to attract viewers 49 years later.
You have accused Shah Rukh Khan of "Bringing bikini ladies in films". Sir-ji, what is your problem with bikinis? You've said SRK had no business to go to Vaishno Devi to seek blessings for the success of 'Pathaan' and then be seen dancing on screen with ''bikini ladies''. A quick question to the Minister-saab: would his comments have been any different had Deepika worn a blue bikini, and SRK, a red shirt? Is it the bikini? Or the colour? Does 'besharam' in the song apply to one particular 'rang'? If Mishra-ji only sees saffron wherever he looks, perhaps he needs to see an optician. And colour-correct his own vision.
His attack didn't stop with SRK, he went on to describe Deepika Padukone as a part of the 'Tukde-Tukde' gang - a reference to the JNU protests in 2016. When a senior member of the ruling party makes such explosive allegations on a public platform, the repercussions can be lethal. Apart from damaging the commercial success of a film by instigating protests, it can endanger the lives of the actors and cause irreparable harm to their reputations.
In today's weird environment, it's possible to twist and turn just about anything and generate a controversy. Shri Mishra is no stranger to controversies going by his adventurous track record. The latest one involves a beachside song featuring two huge stars coming together on screen after the mega success of their past four collaborations, including 'Chennai Express'.
As for me, I'm looking for a good laundromat in my neighbourhood. Want to send my contaminated mind for a thorough bleach job to remove any remnants of saffron and green that may be impairing my vision.
Delhi Metro has become a hotspot of brawls, arguments and fights despite strict warnings from authorities. Videos of people fighting over seats, content creators shooting reels, or unruly travellers behaving inappropriately have become common in the Delhi metro. In a similar incident, a woman was seen sitting on a man's lap inside a crowded Delhi Metro coach after being unable to find a seat.
The undated video which has sparked controversy, opens to show a woman wearing a black dress, arguing with fellow commuters over the lack of availability of seats. After no one offers her a seat out of courtesy, she asks a young man to vacate his seat.
After he refuses to do so, she forcibly sits on him while saying, ''Humein kya, hum bhi besharam ban jayenge" (I will also become shameless). Meanwhile, another man sitting next to them is forced to get up to make space for her. She further states, "Humein fark nahi padta, aapko fark padega woh bhi abhi nahi raat ko" (It does not matter to me, It will matter to you, and that too not just now but at night).'' She also claimed that she always abides by the rules, questioning, "Why should I break the rules?"
The exact date of the footage is not known. Meanwhile, the video has gone viral, with social media users expressing outrage over the woman's act and raising concerns about the behaviour of metro commuters nowadays. Several people asked DMRC and Delhi Police to look into the matter and take action against the woman.
A third said, ''The point is that men have always allowed women to sit in their seats in public transportation out of respect or care or because of women's biological conditions. But now they want men to provide them convenience at the cost of everything.''
Ranvir Shorey's journey in Bigg Boss OTT 3 house hasn't been quite smooth. He has had his share of fights and arguments in the controversial house. Even though it has just been a little more than a week since the show started, Ranvir Shorey has had some major arguments in the house. Shivani Kumari is not much in his good books. Often then are at war. Once again, there was an argument between the two after a prank pulled by Armaan Malik went wrong. Also Read - Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai serial upcoming twist: Vidya to have a change of heart after Abhira saves her life; will she reunite Abhimaan?
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In Bigg Boss OTT 3, we see that Armaan Malik and Sana Sultan have a major fight. The YouTube content creator pulled a prank and hid Sana's soft toy named Sheru. She is quite attached to Sheru and was quite upset with it. She said that she cannot sleep without Sheru and accused Armaan of playing her emotions. Later, she also had a discussion about the same with Poulomi Das. Then Armaan got pretty frustrated and stated that why is she stretching the same topic day and night even though he has apologised? She said that she is sad and it will take time to bounce back. Also Read - Kalki 2898 AD star Kamal Haasan makes a strong statement about his bond with Rajinikanth; shares about the decision they took in their 20s
Later, this topic became a cause of fight between Ranvir Shorey and Shivani Kumari. She accused the actor of being a witness of the prank and not saying a word. She says that he is lying that he did not see Sana's Sheru being hidden. But Ranvir gets angry and hits back saying that she should stop making false comments about him. He said, "Ek to chori upar se seena zori! Kyu chhuhti ho kisi aur ka samaan tum vaise bhi? (Why do you mess with other people's belongings, anyway?)" The argument does not end here. Ranvir then calls Shivani 'besharam' and she hits back saying "Aap ho besharam!"
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