Tamil actor Kamal Haasan has expressed his support for Padmavati actress Deepika Padukone.
“I want Deepika’s head... saved. Respect it more than her body. Even more her freedom. Do not deny her that. Many communities have opposed my films. Extremism in any debate is deplorable,” Haasan said, referring to a BJP leader’s call for the actress to be beheaded.
“Wake up cerebral India. Time to think. We’ve said enough. Listen Ma Bharat [mother India],” Haasan tweeted on Monday night.
A reward of Rs100 million (Dh5.6 million) was offered for the beheading of filmmaker Sanajy Leela Bhansali and Padukone over their film Padmavati.
Kunwar Surajpal Singh Ammu, a ruling BJP leader in Haryana, on Monday said he firmly stands by his call.
Ammu, chief media coordinator of the BJP in the state, said he gave the statement as a Rajput and not as an office-bearer of the party.
He also issued a threat to break the legs of actor Ranveer Singh, who also stars in the historic film.
Shri Rajput Karni Sena, an organisation of the Rajput community, has been protesting against Padmavati for the last few months and now they want a ban on the film.
In Padmavati, Singh plays Alauddin Khilji, the Delhi Sultan obsessed with the legendary 13th century queen of Chittor, Padmavati, played by Padukone.
