Bhubaneswar: With the division among Ollywood actors sharpening with each passing day over boycott of film ‘Ram’ in Sambalpur, actor Babushaan on Friday appealed to all artistes to bury the hatchet for the benefit of the film industry.
A day after actor Manoj Mishra rebuffed Anubhav Mohanty for alleging the former of creating division in the industry, Babushaan said the differences among the actors should be settled amicably among themselves instead of making it public in social media.
“I was hurt by what I saw in social media. As an actor and member of Odia film industry, I appeal to everybody to let the matter rest instead of escalating it with allegations and counter-allegations. It is not healthy for ourselves and the industry at large,” he said.
He further said he was aware that some developments regarding Sambalpur had hurt Manoj Mishra as he belongs to the district. “I respect Manoj Dada and like him. I know he has been hurt emotionally after the issue. If he is hurt by any actor’s behaviour, I apologise to him,” he said.
Stating that he and his mother Aparajita Mohanty take pride for belonging to Sambalpur. “Nobody can hurt our feelings by criticising Sambalpur or western Odisha. Odia film industry belongs to entire Odisha and nobody should nurture a parochial grudge,” he said.
Two days back, Anubhav had said he was aware of the differences between Jitu Mangaraj and Manoj Mishra but had kept quiet to prevent the matter to escalate. “At the same time, I have come to know that you (Manoj) are trying to create fictions among Arindam, Babushan and myself. It is deplorable. Such machinations will not only spell doom for your career but also pose problems for our film industry,” he added.
In his response on Thursday, Manoj reiterated that he had no role in boycott of ‘Ram’ in Sambalpur. “I have never made any attempt knowingly or unknowingly to create any division in the industry. I respect all actors and am willing to make films with them.”
It may be noted that Odia film ‘Ram’, which was released in the state on October 20, was unable to be screened at any cinema halls in Sambalpur as some supporters of Manoj staged a demonstration against the film. Manoj was suspected to have engineered the demonstration due to his personal strife with Jitu Mangaraj.
Also Read: Controversy: Manoj Mishra Rebuffs Anubhav’s Allegation Of Creating Factions In Ollywood
