Manoj Bajpayee on Ghooskhor Pandat title row: This was never about a community
Amid the backlash over the Ghooskhor Pandat title, actor Manoj Bajpayee issued a statement emphasising respect for public sentiment, and explained that his role was rooted in character and storytelling rather than commentary on any community.
Actor Manoj Bajpayee on Friday shared a clarification in response to the controversy surrounding his upcoming film, Ghooskhor Pandat. In the post uploaded on his verified X account, Bajpayee shared his perspective on the concerns raised over the film's title, and clarified his intent behind portraying the character. He was replying to producer Neeraj Pandey’s statement and acknowledged the hurt caused by the film’s title.
The film’s title has been at the centre of controversy when viewers raised objections, especially the use of Pandat, which, when used with ghooskhor (a term commonly used to refer to those who accept bribes), seemed like an attack on the pandit community.
Amid the backlash over the title, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also ordered an FIR against the director and team members of the forthcoming film. The complaint alleges that the film’s content has hurt public sentiments and disturbed social harmony, prompting action by local authorities. Filmmaker Pandey's clarification followed.
Replying to Neeraj Pandey’s statement, Bajapyee wrote, "I respect the emotions and concerns people have shared, and I take them seriously. When something you are part of causes hurt to some people, it makes you pause and listen. As an actor, I come to a film through the character and the story I am playing. For me, this was about portraying a flawed individual and his journey of self-realisation. This was not meant to be a statement about any community (sic)."
"In my experience of working with Neeraj Pandey, there has been a consistent seriousness and care in how he approaches his films. The filmmakers have decided to take down the promotional material in light of the public sentiment. This reflects the seriousness with which the concerns are being taken," he added.
Neeraj Pandey had earlier on Friday issued a clarification and had spoken about pulling down the promotional content from social media following the backlash.
In his statement, Neeraj Pandey wrote, “Our film is a fictional cop drama, and the term 'Pandat' is used simply as a colloquial name for a fictional character. The story focusses on an individual's actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion, or community. As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility – to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful."
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's order for an FIR against the director and team members of the film followed the complaint alleging that the film’s content hurt public sentiment and disturbed social harmony.
The trouble started soon after the teaser of Ghooskhor Pandat was unveiled at the 'Next on Netflix' event. A Mumbai-based lawyer, Ashutosh Dubey, sent a legal notice to Netflix and the makers of the film, objecting to the title.
The objection pertains to using the word Pandat (priest, religious scholar) in combination with ghooskhor (a term commonly used to refer to those who accept bribes). The notice claims this pairing is defamatory and amounts to an attack on the dignity of the pandit community.
Ghooskhor Pandat stars Manoj Bajpayee as Ajay Dikshit, a corrupt and morally compromised police officer nicknamed ‘Pandat’. The film’s narrative unfolds over a single night and also features Nushrat Bharuccha and Saqib Saleem in key roles.
Actor Manoj Bajpayee on Friday shared a clarification in response to the controversy surrounding his upcoming film, Ghooskhor Pandat. In the post uploaded on his verified X account, Bajpayee shared his perspective on the concerns raised over the film's title, and clarified his intent behind portraying the character. He was replying to producer Neeraj Pandey’s statement and acknowledged the hurt caused by the film’s title.
The film’s title has been at the centre of controversy when viewers raised objections, especially the use of Pandat, which, when used with ghooskhor (a term commonly used to refer to those who accept bribes), seemed like an attack on the pandit community.
Amid the backlash over the title, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also ordered an FIR against the director and team members of the forthcoming film. The complaint alleges that the film’s content has hurt public sentiments and disturbed social harmony, prompting action by local authorities. Filmmaker Pandey's clarification followed.
Replying to Neeraj Pandey’s statement, Bajapyee wrote, "I respect the emotions and concerns people have shared, and I take them seriously. When something you are part of causes hurt to some people, it makes you pause and listen. As an actor, I come to a film through the character and the story I am playing. For me, this was about portraying a flawed individual and his journey of self-realisation. This was not meant to be a statement about any community (sic)."
"In my experience of working with Neeraj Pandey, there has been a consistent seriousness and care in how he approaches his films. The filmmakers have decided to take down the promotional material in light of the public sentiment. This reflects the seriousness with which the concerns are being taken," he added.
Neeraj Pandey had earlier on Friday issued a clarification and had spoken about pulling down the promotional content from social media following the backlash.
In his statement, Neeraj Pandey wrote, “Our film is a fictional cop drama, and the term 'Pandat' is used simply as a colloquial name for a fictional character. The story focusses on an individual's actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion, or community. As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility – to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful."
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's order for an FIR against the director and team members of the film followed the complaint alleging that the film’s content hurt public sentiment and disturbed social harmony.
The trouble started soon after the teaser of Ghooskhor Pandat was unveiled at the 'Next on Netflix' event. A Mumbai-based lawyer, Ashutosh Dubey, sent a legal notice to Netflix and the makers of the film, objecting to the title.
The objection pertains to using the word Pandat (priest, religious scholar) in combination with ghooskhor (a term commonly used to refer to those who accept bribes). The notice claims this pairing is defamatory and amounts to an attack on the dignity of the pandit community.
Ghooskhor Pandat stars Manoj Bajpayee as Ajay Dikshit, a corrupt and morally compromised police officer nicknamed ‘Pandat’. The film’s narrative unfolds over a single night and also features Nushrat Bharuccha and Saqib Saleem in key roles.