Taking on Anurag Kashyap for questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi as to why he hasn't apologised for meeting his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif the same time when Karan Johar was shooting for 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', filmmaker and social activist Ashoke Pandit on Sunday said this smells of arrogance, adding such language is an insult to the nation.
Pandit said that he quite shocked and surprised with Kashyap's statement, adding questioning the Prime Minister is uncalled for.
"I thought, he is an educated film-maker and a nice educated person. Questioning Prime Minister is uncalled for because the Prime Minister, the Government of India and the state government first of all has not banned the film or raised any question against the Pakistani actors," Pandit said.
"He should know how to address Prime Minister. He is not the Prime Minister of a political party. He is the Prime Minister of a country. And I appeal to Mr. Anurag Kashyap that he should realize now that at least for next 20 years Narendra Modi is going to continue as the Prime Minister of this country and he should come out from this wrong impression," he added.
Stating that Kashyap has been opposing the ban on Johar's upcoming film as it stars Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, Pandit said if the filmmaker has the guts to question somebody then he should question Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and other political parties, who have taken objection to this film.
"I once again reiterate the films, which are complete and which are under production, should be allowed to release as the IMPPA has taken that stand but accusing and abusing the Prime Minister and questioning him, where he is not involved at all is absolutely shameful on the part of Anurag Kashyap," he said.
Responding to criticism for questioning the Prime Minister about his Pakistan visit, Kashyap has said that he has every right to question the former as a citizen of the country.
"Just to make it clear, I complain because I expect my government to protect us, I question the PM because I have every right to," he tweeted.
Further in a series of tweets, he said, "I am not going to address a party that has become redundant and irrelevant and is trying to find relevance again by using the film industry."
"We have been vulnerable for long, and have been paying the price by being used by everyone to find any kind of standing."
"And the real trade between the two countries across the border has not faced any kind of opposition, but we must pay the price for it and anyone who questions my love for the country by shouting , must prove their love by representing the country either on the border."
"And anyone who questions my love for the country by shouting must prove their love by representing the country either on the border."
"Or prove your love by representing the country in a honourable way. Not by shouting here. And yes sir @narendramodi we need protection.. It's really high time."
"I refuse to live in the fear created by blind fanatics that you cannot have a conversation with your PM or question him or expect from him."
"I would rather ask my questions directly to the PM than trying to impress him by fake nationalism of banning "what puts you in news."
The film writer-director cum-producer expressed his annoyance on social media after cinema owners association decided to stay the release of movies starring Pakistani artistes.
The Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) earlier announced that they would not screen movies starring Pakistani artistes in the four states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa.
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