Shatrughan Sinha tweeted today about the Padmavati controversy. (File photo)
Actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha today questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bollywood veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan's silence amid relentless protests over the release of upcoming historic drama "Padmavati".
"As 'Padmavati' becomes a burning controversy, people are asking why the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, most versatile Aamir Khan and most popular Shah Rukh Khan have no comments. And how come our I&B Minister or our most popular Honourable PM (according to PEW - American think tank PEW poll) are maintaining stoic silence. High time!" Mr Sinha tweeted.
He also said that he would speak about the controversy keeping in view the interest of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and sensitivity of the Rajputs.
"As for me, I would and should speak on 'Padmavati' issue only after the 'great filmmaker, producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali' speaks up. I speak only when I am spoken to and I will speak keeping in mind the interests of the filmmaker as well as the sensitivity, valour, loyalty of the great Rajputs," he added.
This is not the first time Mr Sinha has lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi . He recently said the party would be able to live up to people's expectations only if it ceased to be "a one-man show and a two-man army".
"I had not joined the BJP to leave it. But I would not mince words when I say that we cannot meet our challenges if we continue to be a one-man show and a two-man army," the
BJP MP said in a clear indication to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah's hold on the party.
In "Padmavati", actor Ranveer Singh plays Sultan Alauddin Khilji. According to the Mr Bhansali, the movie is a tribute to the valour of Rajput queen Padmavati, played by Deepika Padukone.
However, the Rajput community has objected to the movie's release and called for a ban on movie. The film is in the eye of a storm following relentless protests from conservative groups over alleged tampering with historical facts, a contention Mr Bhansali has denied repeatedly.
While a Rajput Karni Sena leader threatened Ms Padukone with physical harm, a BJP leader announced a reward of Rs 10 crore for beheading Mr Bhansali and Ms Padukone.
The release of the film, which was earlier slated for December 1, has been deferred as the filmmakers are yet to secure a censor certificate.