Veteran actor Annu Kapoor has stirred up controversy by accusing the creators of Shah Rukh Khan's Chak De! India of pushing a communal agenda. He claims that the filmmakers intentionally altered the lead character's identity to a Muslim.
Kapoor highlighted that the 2007 blockbuster was originally inspired by real-life coach Mir Ranjan Negi. However, he asserts that the character was transformed into the fictional Kabir Khan for the film.
This change, he suggests, was part of a deliberate narrative shift by the filmmakers.
‘The main character in Chak De! India is inspired by the renowned coach, Negi Saab. But in India, they seem to prefer depicting a Muslim as a good character while mocking a Pandit (Hindu priest). This trend is nothing new; they often use the concept of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb (Hindu-Muslim unity) to label it,’ Kapoor told ANI.
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His comments come just a day after he stirred controversy by claiming that his 7 Khoon Maaf co-star Priyanka Chopra was reluctant to kiss him on screen because he wasn’t a mainstream hero.
Annu Kapoor is a versatile actor known for his roles in films such as Mandi, Utsav, Mr. India, Ghayal, Hum, Aitraaz, and 7 Khoon Maaf. In addition to his film work, he hosts a popular radio show called Suhaana Safar With Annu Kapoor.
About Chak De! India
Chak De! India, released in 2007, is a Bollywood sports drama featuring Shah Rukh Khan as Kabir Khan. In the film, Kabir, a former player on the Indian men's hockey team, faces allegations of betrayal after a crucial match against Pakistan.
To restore his tarnished reputation, he takes on the challenge of coaching the Indian women's hockey team, which is struggling for recognition and respect. The film highlights themes of redemption, teamwork, and the fight against stereotypes.
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