Ace actor Dulquer Salmaan made his Bollywood debut with the movie ‘Karwaan’ in 2018. He recently spilt the beans about his love affair with wife Amal Sufiya. The Malayalam star who has given many hit films recently produced a Malayalam-language comedy-drama film ‘Varane Avashyamund’ that was written and directed by Anoop Sathyan.
However, months after its release, the makers of the movie, along with Salmaan were accused of body shaming a woman.
According to Hindustan Times, a journalist Chetna Kapoor accused them of using her pictures in the film without her consent. Apparently, her pictures appear twice on a poster of a weight loss clinic in the movie.
Taking to social media, Chetna wrote:
Dear @dulQuer @DQsWayfarerFilm
Thank you for the feature in your film but I’d like you to excuse me from body-shaming on a public forum. The concerned image was used without my consent & knowledge in your film. I’d like to claim ownership of the same. #VaraneAvashyamund pic.twitter.com/UnDYoDOc3B— Chetna Kapoor (@chetnak92) April 20, 2020
She further added that although legal action will follow, she’d like them to release a public apology.
Salmaan was quick to take note and said that they take full responsibility for the error.
We take full responsibility for the error on our behalf. Will look into it with concerned departments of the film to understand how the images were sourced. I apologise from my end and from the film as well as @DQsWayfarerFilm for any difficulties caused. It wasnt intentional.
— dulquer salmaan (@dulQuer) April 20, 2020
Director Anoop Sathyan also apologised for causing discomfort to her.
First of all we are extremely sorry for the discomfort caused. There wasn’t any intention to disrespect or objectify women, as the content of this film is in itself against sexism. We do state our apology on behalf of the technical crew of this film.
— Anoop Sathyan (@anoop_sathyan) April 20, 2020
Chetna urged them to either delete the scenes with her pictures or blur the images. However, after having a conversation with Anoop, she said that she’s willing to put this matter behind her.
Had a conversation with @anoop_sathyan abt my pictures used in #VaraneAvashyamund Appreciate the thought & effort you put in reaching out to me. Want to assure you that I m willing to put this matter behind. Thanku for the sincere apology @dulQuer @DQsWayfarerFilm @NetflixIndia
— Chetna Kapoor (@chetnak92) April 20, 2020
It is indeed irresponsible to breach someone’s privacy and use their images without consent. However, their efforts to reach out to her and apologise for their mistakes are commendable.