Renowned filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi has stepped into the spotlight, addressing Shabana Azmi’s remarks about the box office disappointment of They drive 1947. Azmi speculated that audiences might have struggled to embrace Sunny Deol’s performance as a Muslim character, but Santoshi passionately disagrees.
In a candid chat with Variety India, Santoshi refuted the notion that Indian cinema-goers are less accepting of characters from diverse religious backgrounds. He pointed to the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, who has portrayed Muslim characters with great success over the years, as a testament to the inclusivity traditionally seen in Indian films.
Standing Firm Against Intolerance
Santoshi declared, “It simply doesn’t hold water. Amitabh Bachchan captivated audiences as a Muslim hero in Coolie (1983). Many of Manmohan Desai’s films featured Muslim protagonists. Have we really reached a point where a hero from another community is unpalatable? We are smart, educated individuals. How can anyone claim a significant misstep in the film’s character choices?”
The director voiced his concern over what he perceives as a growing lack of tolerance and diversity in contemporary society. He stressed the importance of considering the filmmaker’s objective and message, declaring, “We, as a society, seem to have become less tolerant and inclusive. It’s crucial to understand the filmmaker’s vision and the writer’s message.”
Embracing Religious Diversity
Santoshi also shared insights into his personal beliefs, underscoring his unbiased approach to faith. “I am a Hindu. I visit the temple. My son is named Ram. I have no opposition to any faith,” he remarked. “I strive to learn from each faith, drawing on the core message of equality championed by saints. Hinduism, after all, is about inclusion, not exclusion.”
These comments come in response to Shabana Azmi’s surprise at the film’s reception, which she discussed in an interview with Zoom. Azmi speculated that Sunny Deol’s casting might have influenced the audience’s reaction, a theory Santoshi firmly challenges.