PM’s Message On Films: Here’s How Minister Against ‘Pathaan’ Reacted

New Delhi:  Without taking any names, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday warned party workers against making “unnecessary comments on irrelevant subjects like movies.” The message has been received loud and clear by those it was meant for, specifically senior BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh minister Narottam Mishra, one of the loudest critics of the Shah Rukh Khan-Deepika Padukone starrer “Pathaan.”

Asked about reports that the Prime Minister had apparently remarked that a minister keeps commenting on films, Mr Mishra said no name was taken.

“His every word and every sentence is important for us. That’s why all the workers have brought inspiration from there. Our conduct and behavior have been filled with their guidance and energy, and will continue to be filled,” he told reporters.

Among a deluge of boycott calls against various movies by sections of the right-wing, the last was “Pathaan”, where many objected to the song “Besharam rang”.

Deepika Padukone’s orange bikini drew flak with critics contending that the song “hurts religious sentiments”. A number of petitions were filed in court and in one, the petitioner demanded that a police case be filed against the lead actors.    Contending that the song reflects a “dirty mindset,” Narottam Mishra had said even its title was “objectionable”.

Mishra, who is the home minister of Madhya Pradesh said the way the colours saffron and green have been used in the costumes is objectionable. He said a call would be taken on allowing the screening of the film in Madhya Pradesh depending on whether changes are made in the film.

PM Modi sent out a message of inclusiveness at yesterday’s National Executive meet. Apart from warning leaders against “unnecessary comments”, he said they must reach out to every section of society, including minorities such as Bohras, Pasmandas and Sikhs, without electoral considerations.

“The BJP is no longer merely a political movement but a social movement as well that is working to transform socio-economic conditions,” he told the 350-odd ministers, leaders and workers attending the session.