Protests Against Padmaavat Bordered on Fascism: Ranveer Speaks Out

Ranveer Singh says his shock turned into rage when ‘Padmaavat’ sets were vandalised.

Ranveer Sing at the ‘Rising India Summit’.

(Photo courtesy: Twitter)

If you were wondering why did Ranveer Singh never spoke up about the Padmaavat controversy, the actor has now given an explanation, while speaking at the News18 ‘Rising India Summit’.

Ranveer’s Reaction to Padmaavat Controversy

Speaking at the summit, Ranveer said that he’s actually a very hot-headed person. He is good with nice people but he is really bad with the bad. So when the Padmaavat controversy happened, he was asked by the director and producer of the film to stay away from it. He as a person agrees he wanted to speak out and do something but that would have complicated things.

“It was a very frustrating process because none of this was in my control. I was furious, livid, it was absolutely wrong. I couldn’t do anything and was asked not to do anything. - “don’t make our lives complicated, there’s so much money put in”. So, I decided to just stay away from it.”

Ranveer Singh, Actor

On being asked by senior journalist and film critic Rajeev Masand if the protests against Padmaavat made him cynical about the state of affairs, Ranveer responded by saying, “It’s bizarre. I can’t believe that this is 2018. It borders on fascism.”

Ranveer on Bhansali Being Manhandled

But there was a point where Ranveer says he had to be physically held to be stopped from reacting to the violence. The actor says lost his cool when he saw the video of Bhansali being manhandled by goons on the sets of Padmaavat.

“When the <i>Padmaavat</i> sets were vandalised, my shock turned into rage. I couldn’t believe that we’re living in 2017. I had to be physically restrained. The equipment they broke provides livelihood to thousands. I value the sanctity of the set. It’s my place of worship. You don’t go to my place of worship and do this.”&nbsp;

Ranveer Singh, Actor

Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. 

Ranveer on the Film Industry Letting Him Down

During the Padmaavat controversy, Bollywood did not unite in support of Sanjay Leela Bhansali but Ranveer has a different opinion on it.

“I am proud to say that I and the film’s unit received a lot of support. Many eminent personalities backed us. Maybe, it didn’t galvanise into one unified movement,&nbsp; perhaps because of lack of communication or the timing.”

Ranveer Singh, Actor

How Did Ranveer Handle the Whole Controversy?

“When <i>Padmaavat</i> shootings were regularly disrupted, I thought I would be sitting at home stuck with one film. Large chunks of my role were filmed at the end. I didn’t know whether the film would even see a release. But hats off to Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the way he handled the entire issue. I shot 35 days at a stretch for a costume drama which is unheard of.”

Ranveer Singh, Actor