Flak for Saif’s Dalit act

Filmmaker Prakash Jha’s upcoming movie, Aarakshan, that deals with the issue of reservations, has upset a Dalit group in Kanpur. The group is angry over Saif Ali Khan being cast as a member of the backward caste in the movie.

Filmmaker Prakash Jha’s upcoming movie,

HT Image

Aarakshan

, that deals with the issue of reservations, has upset a Dalit group in Kanpur. The group is angry over Saif Ali Khan being cast as a member of the backward caste in the movie.

The Dalit Suraksha Samiti has sent a letter of protest to Jha’s Patna office, asking why he chose Saif to play a Dalit, as it is insulting to the community. The letter also warns Jha of serious repercussions if he does not explain the reason behind the decision.

“Yes, we have received a letter. My people are looking into it. We have not filed any complaint yet. It does not seem to be a registered organisation,” Jha said in a statement. The national award winning filmmaker, who has always tried to bring forth the plight of political and developmental initiatives in Bihar and directed films like

Gangaajal

and

Raajneeti

, says this is a lame reason for any one to be offended.

“Dalit groups should be happy that we are making a film about reservations. I can’t understand why anybody should be offended if Saif, being from a royal family, is cast as a Dalit. As directors, we cast actors who we think are suitable for the role. I thought Saif would be right for the part so I cast him,” said Jha.

The movie also features actors Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Prateik Babbar and Manoj Bajpayee.