TV commercial fuels Raj Thackeray’s ire
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday issued a stern warning to film-makers and advertising professionals, who are freely making a mockery of the ‘Marathi Manoos’ in the garb of creative liberty. HT reports.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday issued a stern warning to film-makers and advertising professionals, who are freely making a mockery of the ‘Marathi Manoos’ in the garb of creative liberty.
Thackeray asked them to avoid provoking Maharashtrians through their work, films and advertisements.
He reacted sharply to the latest Tata Docomo advertisement about good connectivity, which shows a Maharashtrian-looking maid stealing a mobile phone and hiding it in her blouse.
In a strongly-worded letter, Thackeray condemned the so-called anglicised people, who are prejudiced against Maharashtrians openly or discreetly. “Advertisements are meant to sell goods and not make fun of local people. However, these people have become so arrogant that they do not even have the basic courtesy to respect Marathi mothers, sisters and brothers,” said Thackeray.
He said that it has become a fashion in Hindi films and serials to show Maharashtrians in poor light and said that time has come to take strong action to curb this trend.
In a veiled threat, Thackeray said, “Lastly, I warn these people not to force us, Marathi people, to bring out our ‘creativity’. It is better if you understand or else we will surely come to have a ‘creative discussion’ with you on this issue.”
Adman Prahlad Kakkar has condemned Thackeray’s stance. “If Thackeray has any issue pertaining to the said commercial, he should ideally approach the appropriate regulatory body instead of resorting to such tactics,” said Kakkar.
“It is a scary situation where someone just raises objection and warns people to toe his line or face dire consequences,” he added.