Vivek Sinha Addresses Widespread Backlash Over Controversial 'Dhurandhar' Role
Actor Vivek Sinha, who portrays the hijacker Zahoor Mistry in the blockbuster film 'Dhurandhar', has publicly responded to the intense hate and outrage directed at his on-screen character. In a candid video shared on Instagram, Sinha set the record straight about his identity and expressed his reactions to the flood of negative comments.
Clarifying Identity Amidst Misguided Anger
Sinha revealed that he was stunned by the fierce backlash, particularly as many critics mistakenly assumed he was Pakistani due to his role. He emphasized, "I am not Pakistani", and clarified that he hails from Bijnor and currently resides in Mumbai. This clarification came in response to comments threatening violence against him in Pakistan, highlighting a case of misplaced anger towards the actor for his portrayal.
Controversial Dialogue Sparks Outrage
The controversy stems from a dialogue in the film's trailer, where his character Zahoor Mistry says, "Hindus are a cowardly community, we live in the neighbourhood, use all your strength and spoil whatever you can." Sinha shared a reel featuring this line on Instagram, which triggered an avalanche of hateful responses. He recounted some of the abusive comments, including:
- "You look like a terrorist."
- "I feel like thrashing you through the screen."
- "You have made us angry."
Saluting Patriotism While Addressing Abuse
Despite the abuse, Sinha expressed gratitude for the underlying patriotism displayed by viewers. He stated, "I really liked this patriotism inside us—I salute it." He acknowledged that while the hate was directed at his character, it reflected a deep love for the nation, which he found commendable. However, he urged fans to distinguish between fiction and reality, noting that he is merely an actor performing a role.
Encouraging Support for the Sequel
Sinha concluded his message by encouraging everyone to watch the upcoming sequel, 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge', set to release on March 19. He thanked the audience for bringing attention to his performance, even if through negative means, and highlighted the film's success as the highest-grossing Hindi film ever upon its release last December.
Background on 'Dhurandhar' and Its Impact
'Dhurandhar', starring Ranveer Singh, follows an Indian spy infiltrating Karachi's criminal and political underworld in Pakistan. The storyline is inspired by real geopolitical events such as:
- The 1999 IC-814 hijacking.
- The 2001 Indian Parliament attack.
- The 2008 Mumbai attacks.
- Operation Lyari.
The film has not only broken box office records but also sparked significant public discourse, as evidenced by the reactions to Sinha's role. This incident underscores the powerful impact of cinema on societal emotions and the challenges actors face when portraying antagonistic characters.
