Mumbai: The ‘Kala Hiran’ controversy has taken a fresh turn with actor Sonu Mmishra making a startling revelation.
Sonu claimed that he was asked to sign a contract that required him to make statements against Bollywood star Salman Khan.
During an interview with the YouTube channel Bollywood Crazies, Sonu shared that he was initially thrilled to be associated with ‘Kala Hiran’ as he was offered a role inspired by Salman Khan.
“I was very excited for Kala Hiran. I got the opportunity to play superstar Salman Khan. I had started shooting as well. But when a narrative starts getting built, you realize what the intent of the film is. Being a vocational actor for the past 15-16 years, I wouldn’t like to be a part of such a film. No doubt they have a perspective, but if you depict superstar Salman Khan in a negative way, then I’d rather do other projects,” the actor said.
Sonu further claimed that he filmed for ‘Kala Hiran’ over two days, but chose to leave the project before signing the official contract as one of the clauses allegedly required him to make negative remarks about Salman in public.
Sonu stated that he was uncomfortable with the condition, saying it conflicted with his personal principles and ultimately influenced his decision to walk away from the film.
“After two days of shoot, I asked them for the script. Being a lead actor, I asked them to share the script and clauses of the agreement. The makers also realized that they can’t control me. After a lot of delay, they showed me the contract, which stated that I had to talk against Salman to the media as well. So, these things are against my ethics,” Sonu said.
He further claimed that statements made by the filmmakers suggest that ‘Kala Hiran’ is aimed at Salman.
Criticising producer Amit Jani for publicly tearing up a legal notice that was reportedly sent regarding the film, the actor said, “The legal notice they’re tearing, it hasn’t even reached them directly. It’s just to create hype. It’s just made the makers famous. There’s nothing more to it.”
Dismissing the makers’ claim that ‘Kala Hiran’ was made to present the Bishnoi community’s side of the story, Sonu said: “I’m also from Rajasthan. The Bishnoi community are decent and well-reputed people. Would they support such people whose propaganda is only to create hype for themselves? If you’re such a huge supporter of the Bishnoi community, then go plant trees in Rajasthan and help them financially. And if you really have to go against Salman, hire a good lawyer.”
His statements come even as the makers of ‘Kala Hiran’ have repeatedly maintained that the film is merely inspired by the blackbuck case, and all its characters are fictional.
The actor further alleged that he has been facing legal threats from the film’s producers since speaking publicly about his decision to leave the project.
According to Sonu, the makers objected to behind-the-scenes videos and photographs from the shoot which he shared on social media.
“They also objected to me posting the BTS on social media. But if there’s no agreement in the first place, then how does it concern them if I post something on my social media or not? I kept insisting on an agreement for the longest time, but they didn’t relent,” he said.
Sonu maintained that he chose to step away because he holds Salman in high regard and felt uncomfortable being associated with a project that conflicted with his principles.
“I just have to play a character. If I’m offered a villain’s role, I’d do it. Those who’ve played terrorists in Dhurandhar aren’t terrorists in real life, right? But this was against my ethics. It could’ve been my career’s biggest project, but it’s okay, I’ll do some other work instead,” he said.
Earlier, actor Govind Namdev distanced himself from ‘Kala Hiran’, saying he was unaware of the way the film will eventually be presented.
“As soon as I watched the teaser, I was shaken to the core. I instantly understood that the project is completely different from what I had shot for,” Namdev was quoted as saying by Amar Ujala.
“We were never told that a character resembling Salman Khan would be created and portrayed in this manner. The moment I saw the trailer, I felt I had been kept in the dark and used. There is a world of difference between what I was told and what has actually been made. What has come to light now has made me uncomfortable as well,” he added.
