Sanjay Leela Bhansali Assaulted On ‘Padmavati’ Sets By Goons For ‘Distorting History’

Religious extremism is no news in India. While the fanatics have cried foul many a times, the aftermath is usually a divided and angry nation. The last time bigotry crept into our society, cricketer, Mohammed Shami‘s wife was called names because she wore a sleeveless gown! But the irrational hate is not confined to one religion rather is a menace that has crept its way into every faith.

Even Bollywood has come under its clutch, losing its right to articulate art and its expression. The ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil‘ debacle is a sad example of the same. However, it has happened again and the premise is even more horrid.

Recently, Sanjay Leela Bhansali was attacked and beaten by members of Karni Sena who vandalised the sets of his upcoming movie ‘Padmavati’ at Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur. The fury broke when the members accused the director of ‘distorting history’. 

According to sources, he was slapped by unidentified goons and his clothes were torn in agitation.

However, speaking to India Today Sanjay Leela Bhansali said, 

“Yes, I’m fine. You have to go through this humiliation sometimes to make a film in this country.”

The incident took place in broad daylight when the members took the law into their hands by thrashing Bhansali and destroying the set. Narayan Divrala, district president, Karni Sena even said, 

After the ugly clash, police personnel reached to find out that large numbers of people owing allegiance to the Rajput youth outfit also disrupted the shooting.  Lokendra Singh Kalvi, founder, Karni Sena, added, 

Officer in charge Anshuman Bhomia told PTI, that “The filmmakers have assured that they will not shoot here and will pack up.”

The assault turned so ghastly that Sanjay had to be escorted immediately out of sight. Watch the video here:

This, in my humble opinion, is not only unfortunate but a failure on the part of the ‘civil’ society we vouch by!

News Source: Hindustan Times, India Today, NDTV