Deepika Padukone Visit to JNU Stirs Controversy

Deepika Padukone joined the JNU vigil on Tuesday to show her solidarity and condemn the brutal attack on JNU students that happened on Sunday. The Chhapaak-movie star was in town for promotions of the movie also visited the protesting students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to express her solidarity against the JNU attack.

In a statement, Padukone said, “I feel angry that this is happening. At the same time, it is a matter of concern that action is not being taken.”

Promotional move or not, the actress was somewhere aware that her visit would receive a lot of flak from right-wing supporters alike. Social media was flooded with both negative as well as positive comments from netizens. Her twitter was flooded with the hashtags ‘boycottchhapaak’ and ‘IStandwithDeepika’ trending simultaneously.

However, many Bollywood personalities including Anurag Kashyap, Vikrant Messy, and Swara Bhaskar came out in support of the actress.

Senior Journalist, Suresh Mathew Tweeted: “Actor @deepikapadukone meeting #AisheGhosh in #JNU. She’s at ground zero despite knowing the backlash it will receive from RW goons who will attempt to boycott her film which releases in two days. Coming from Deepika who has largely been silent on political issues this is BIG.“

While Film-maker, Vivek Agnihotri tweeted: “By standing with this small community of anti-India students she has sent a message that she doesn’t support 98% India-loving students. What do you think?”

BJP spokesperson Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga Tweeted: “RT if you will Boycott Movies of @deepikapadukone for her Support to #TukdeTukdeGang and Afzal Gang.”

Journalist Rana Ayyub also ed: “It takes guts to do this two days before the release of a high stake, important film.”

Well, let’s see what will be the effect of this whole thing of her upcoming movie Chhapaak!!