Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub: Deepika Padukone's presence took the discussion to a bigger level
No sooner did Chhapaak register underwhelming numbers at the box office, than buzz was that the film bore the brunt of Deepika Padukone's political stand — if the actor was applauded for standing in solidarity with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students, a section also criticised her for the visit and started the #BoycottChhapaak movement.
However, actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub — who has been at the forefront of the anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) protests — says it was brave of Padukone to look at the bigger picture than be driven by the prospect of her then-upcoming production. "When I went to places like Jamia [Millia University] or Shaheen Bagh, people told me 'Aapke aane se hamein confidence aaya ki hum sahi kar rahe hain.' If my presence gives them so much faith, [one can imagine the impact] of Deepika's presence. When she stood with the students, many of the privileged people who were ignoring the issue until then, had to look at it. [Her presence] took the discussion to a bigger level," he says, before adding, "I don't know whether the boycott affected Chhapaak's business. Maybe making money was not the [sole] intention; maybe the makers wanted to tell someone's story."
Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub
The studied silence of Bollywood's bigwigs on the CAA has not escaped his notice. "Not taking a stand right now shows that you are privileged; it could be because of your money, fame, or religious identity. If somebody wants to enjoy that privilege, they have the right to do so."
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No sooner did Chhapaak register underwhelming numbers at the box office, than buzz was that the film bore the brunt of Deepika Padukone's political stand — if the actor was applauded for standing in solidarity with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students, a section also criticised her for the visit and started the #BoycottChhapaak movement.
However, actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub — who has been at the forefront of the anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) protests — says it was brave of Padukone to look at the bigger picture than be driven by the prospect of her then-upcoming production. "When I went to places like Jamia [Millia University] or Shaheen Bagh, people told me 'Aapke aane se hamein confidence aaya ki hum sahi kar rahe hain.' If my presence gives them so much faith, [one can imagine the impact] of Deepika's presence. When she stood with the students, many of the privileged people who were ignoring the issue until then, had to look at it. [Her presence] took the discussion to a bigger level," he says, before adding, "I don't know whether the boycott affected Chhapaak's business. Maybe making money was not the [sole] intention; maybe the makers wanted to tell someone's story."
Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub
The studied silence of Bollywood's bigwigs on the CAA has not escaped his notice. "Not taking a stand right now shows that you are privileged; it could be because of your money, fame, or religious identity. If somebody wants to enjoy that privilege, they have the right to do so."
Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates
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