Filmmaker says comments were misunderstood, posts Instagram note assuring actor he meant no harm
Indian filmmaker Imtiaz Ali recently came under fire for his remarks about actor Deepika Padukone, in which he suggested that her “good girl persona” was a facade. Ali later took to social media to clarify that he shares a close friendship with Padukone and that his comments had been misinterpreted.
The filmmaker sat down with actors Vedang Raina and Sharvari Wagh, who star in his upcoming romantic drama Mai Vaapas Aaunga, which is scheduled to release on June 12 and is reportedly a remake of Padukone’s Cocktail (2012).
When discussing Padukone’s role as Veronica in the film, Ali said the actor was different from the public image she projected at the time.
“So I asked her to play Veronica, who is very different from what Deepika’s image was at the point of time but since I’ve been in the same room and doing parties with her, I know how crazy and vile she can be and she was otherwise projected to be a ‘good girl’ at that time.”
He added, “Now people have seen through the facade.”
Many fans criticised the filmmaker’s remarks, with some accusing him of showing bias toward women in the film industry.
Some also alleged that Ali made the remarks for promotional reasons.
Others disagreed with the criticism, stating that the filmmaker may simply have been sharing a harmless perspective as Padukone’s friend.
Amid the backlash, Ali posted a public message on Instagram addressed to Padukone.
“My dearest and loveliest Deepika, you are my pal, my buddy, my safe option for humour, I think you will never misunderstand my wannabe funny remarks because you know more than anyone else how much I love you, admire you, understand you, appreciate you,” he wrote.
He added, “But I have been told you might misunderstand and be hurt so I am telling you please don’t. To be mean to you is not possible. I never thought I could write such a disclaimer to you but it’s been a while and I did not want to take a chance.”
He ended by saying, “Wish you the best and love you always.”
Padukone has not yet publicly responded to the controversy.
