After massive outrage, Priyanka Chopra apologies for calling Sikkim insurgency-hit
NEW DELHI : is in the eye of yet another storm. This time around, an interview of Priyanka has landed her in trouble for calling Sikkim, one of India’s most peaceful states, ‘troubled by insurgency’.Priyanka’s production Pahuna, directed by Pakhi Tyrewala, tells the story of two Nepalese children who are displaced because of conflict.
Pahuna was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), on the sidelines of which Priyanka gave the now-slammed interview to ET Canada.While talking about how Pahuna was a ground-breaking achievement, she said that it was the first film to come out of the region.
“Sikkim is a small state in the North-east of India which never had a film industry or anyone who made films from the region. This is the first film ever that’s come out of that region, because it’s very troubled with insurgency and troubling situations,” she said.
Priyanka Chopra has apologised after she was called out on social media for referring to Sikkim as a state “troubled with insurgency” in an interview to ET Canada, at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival.
After massive outrage on social media, a glimpse of which are tweets calling Priyanka “stupid” and “pea-brained” for her choice of words, the actress’ team got in touch with Sikkim Tourism minister Ugen Gyatso. “I condemn Priyanka’s statement. Being an international figure, it’s a very disappointing comment on her behalf. It has definetly made us feel bad and sad but she has apologised us through a mail, likewise her mother Madhu Chopra also apologised over phone today in presence of Sikkim media persons.”
Priyanka referred to Sikkim as “troubled” when she was speaking in connection with her new Sikkimese production – Pahuna – which premiered at the prestigious film fest last week. Mr Gyatso added that he’s also received an apology from Paakhi A Tyrewala, the director of Pahuna: “Even Director Paakhi had apologised earlier. As everyone knows that Sikkim is a very peaceful State with peace loving citizens so we accept their apology and we assure to provide security and help from our behalf to everyone who wants to shoot their films in Sikkim in future.”
Earlier, Twitter was furious and “Shame on you, Priyanka Chopra,” the actress was told. Twitter is in no mood to pardon Priyanka and is also separately angered with the actress who tagged Pahuna as the first film from Sikkim. “Priyanka Chopra, you called Sikkim an insurgency affected state. Idiot. God doesn’t give everything to everybody. Find better uses for your loud mouth,” she was told. “Get your facts right before speaking out. Sikkim is one of the most beautiful states of our country,” added another netizen on Twitter.
Others invoked Bollywood and movie stars in general for the lack of sound political knowledge. “Infact it is foolish to create controversy on Priyanka Chopra’s statement over #Sikkim as celebs like her are ‘politically illiterate’,” read a tweet while: “If you have no idea about Sikkim, don’t speak about it then. “Big star”,” said another.
Priyanka was also slammed for appeared to have not been thorough with her research: “Priyanka Chopra says Sikkim is a troubled state in interview to US media.
