Deepika Padukone is a brand in herself and when she walks into any place, there will be a big hue
and cry about it. The same happened this week at Jawaharlal Nehru University in
New Delhi when the actress, who was in the city to promote her film,
‘Chhapaak’, made an appearance to express her solidarity with the students who
were attacked by a mob. Many trolled her, calling it a promotional stunt for
her film, while many Bollywood stars spoke up in support of her.
If a war happens outside your home, an
artist cannot paint flower pots. Deepika should be congratulated- Subodh Kerker
Subodh Kerkar, the Director of Museum of Goa, Pilerne, has been
an artist of international repute and creates awareness through the talks that
are organised at the centre. “I fully support and congratulate Deepika Padukone
for her gesture. There are artistes who are saying that they will not comment
on political issues but artistes should be sensitive to social issues and they
should be political”
Kerkar opined that artistes are receivers and transmitters of
ideas in society and Art expresses what currently happens at this time. If
there is a war outside your home, as an artiste you cannot paint flower pots.
We have to take a stand because otherwise we will have a government of fools
and become fascists,” says Subodh, whose MOG had recently organised a talk
‘Understanding CAA and its Implications’ by Cleofato Almeida.
There is a need for artistes to take a
stand when things are going wrong- Cecille Rodrigues
Cecille Rodrigues is a renowned dancer and a social activist who
actively works towards change. She is now on a mission to paint speed breakers
across Goa and has so far covered places like Vagator, Benaulim, Varca, St
Cruz, Talegiao, Tivim and Moira. “Artistes who are well recognised should speak
out. There is a need for them to take a stand when things are going wrong,
without fearing whether they will get a job later or no. We need to stand up
and voice out for what you feel is right. There are people who will shame you
and say this is for publicity. I have been through this and I have not backed
down. At least through this publicity stunt, I am taking up a social cause and
saving a life. Everyone has the right to protest. Goa’s youth are so chilled
out and are busy seeking limelight on social media that they don’t understand
what is happening around them,” says Cecille, who has been receiving positive
feedback for her Rosto Campaign.
There should not be any hidden agenda
behind publicity stunts- Rajendra Talak
Filmmaker Rajendra Talak understands the need for publicity
before a film release. However, he feels that there should not be any hidden
agendas behind these publicity stunts. “Deepika went there for publicity and
she doesn’t understand what is happening. It is important to know why it is
always JNU where everything is triggered. She should have avoided going to JNU.
As a protest, her film should be boycotted by film goers”, he said
When there is a controversy, one should
not venture into it when there are two opinions- Hema Sardessai
Singer Hema Sardessai has been very vocal about social issues in
Goa but she withdraws her support as soon as violence creeps into the matter.
“On a general basis, when there is a controversy, one should not venture into
the place especially when there are two opinions about the issue. If you have a
movie or a music album release, one must not take publicity from the back door.
There is already a lot of speculation and no concrete information about the
CAA. Taking sides is always good but concrete proof has to be there” says Hema.
Deepika showed solidarity with students.
There is nothing wrong- Sidhanath Buyao
Goan
musician Sidhanath Buyao received criticism and appreciation for a simple
message that he put out on social media about Deepika Padukopne being trolled
about her appearance at JNU. “Criticism is always there and since artistes and
performers have followers, they should speak up. There are many artistes who
are doing a good job without supporting any political parties. Deepika is being
trolled for her publicity towards the film but she is showing her solidarity
with the students while promoting it. There is nothing wrong with coming out
for a social issue,” says Sidhanath.
