Manoj Bajpayee on Ghooskhor Pundit title row: It was never about a community
Amid the backlash over the title Ghuskhor Pundit, actor Manoj Bajpayee issued a statement emphasizing respect for public sentiments and explained that his role was rooted in character and storytelling rather than commenting on a community.
Actor Manoj Bajpayee has reacted to this controversy Infiltrator PanditSharing your perspective on the concerns raised and explaining your intentions behind portraying the character. He responded to producer Neeraj Pandey’s statement and admitted being hurt by the title of the film.
The title of the film was at the center of controversy when audiences objected, particularly to the use of pandat, which when used in conjunction with ghuskhor (a term commonly used for bribe takers) sounded as if Attack on Pandit community.
Responding to Neeraj Pandey’s statement, Bajpayee wrote“I respect the feelings and concerns people share and take them seriously. When something you’re a part of hurts some people, it forces you to stop and listen. As an actor, I come into a film through the character I play and the story. For me, it was about portraying a flawed man and his journey of self-realization. It was not meant to make a statement about any community.”
He said, “In my experience of working with Neeraj Pandey, there has been a consistent seriousness and caution in the way he approaches his films. The filmmakers have decided to remove the promotional material keeping in mind the public sentiments. This shows the seriousness with which the concerns are being taken.”
Neeraj Pandey issued a clarification earlier today And after the reaction, he also talked about removing promotional material from social media.
In his statement, Neeraj Pandey wrote, “Our film is a fictional police drama, and the word ‘Pandat’ is used only as a colloquial name for a fictional character. The story focuses on the actions and choices of an individual and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion or community. As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility – to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful.
Amidst the protests regarding the title of Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath has also ordered FIR Against the director and team members of the upcoming film. The complaint alleged that the content of the film has hurt public sentiments and disturbed social harmony, prompting local authorities to take action.
Trouble started soon after teaser of Infiltrator Pandit Unveiled in ‘Next on Netflix’ event. Ashutosh Dubey, a Mumbai-based lawyer, sent a legal notice to Netflix and the producers of the film, objecting to the title.
use of word Pandit (priest, religious scholar) in combination with bribe taker (A term commonly used to refer to bribe takers). The notice claims that the pairing is derogatory and an attack on the dignity of the ‘Pandit community’.
Infiltrator Pandit Manoj Bajpayee plays the role of Ajay Dixit, a corrupt and morally compromised police officer, nicknamed ‘Pandat’. The film’s story unfolds over a single night and also stars Nushrat Bharucha and Saqib Saleem in lead roles.