Pooja Nayak (DNA; June 14, 2016)
Turns out Priyanka Chopra’s idea of venturing into Bhojpuri films has backfired. Pee Cee’s maiden Bhojpuri production, Bam Bam Bol Raha Hai Kashi, starring Dineshlal Niarahua and Amrapali Dubey which released last Friday, is facing major protests in the state. Filmmakers across the state are sending open letters to Priyanka for defaming the Bhojpuri industry by producing such a ‘vulgar and obscene’ film. Director Nitin N Chandraa, a National Award winner called the film ‘extremely vulgar’ as he said, “At a time when my mother tongue Bhojpuri is fighting for its existence, Priyanka has not only defamed herself but also besmirched her Padma Shri award by producing a movie like this.” Nitin also claimed that in a way, PC has dishonored the Rs 15-crore Bhojpuri-speaking people by making such a film. He added, “I am extremely hurt. I will write an open letter to her.”Kunal Dutt, who runs a campaign to save the historic Dutch-made Patna Collectorate from demolition proposed by the Nitish Kumar government took to Facebook to spill hate on ‘Piggy Chops’ as he wrote, “What were you thinking while producing this filth bag? I have nothing to tell you, even after this, but I want to ask fellow Biharis, will you accept your language and culture being wounded and maimed in public like this or will you stand up and be counted? Initiate a mass boycott of this film and all future films in which Priyanka stars? I am wondering if people of Kashi would stomach this or not? I wish you had sprinkled an iota of your stardust and brand on Bihar for a positive change, it would made a huge difference. Even Bollywood has filthy item numbers which the ‘sabhya society’ of the metros also laps us as ‘mass entertainment’ but this is just plain disgusting what you have cooked in your overpriced kitchen. You have disappointed Bihar, Piggy Chops. With your wealth, brand value and intelligence (assumed), you could have done a great film on Bihar, in any language, but you chose to only lower the bar that has already hit the rock bottom. Please don’t damage us more than we already have been, ma’m. The fact that despite this sleazilla, Biharis still welcomed you with honour and grace is their large-heartedness. We wish to welcome you again, but with this venture you have left no hope and no choice but to drag you over the coals.”