Bollywood filmmaker Prakash Jha’s set for Ashram 3 was vandalized today by some activists, after which an MP Minister called out for changing the name of the show. The incident happened on October 24 when some activists stormed the sets of the show in Bhopal and vandalized. The activists claimed that the show was an “attack” on Hinduism, and claimed that the shooting will not presume till the show’s name is changed. While Prakash Jha has reportedly not filed a complaint on the matter so far, film bodies across India have condemned the attack.

This is not the first time a film set was attacked in India. Back in 2017, sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat were vandalized and a fire was set at the set in Kolhapur.

Contents hide
1. Background
2. The Facts of the Matter
3. No Complaints Made by Prakash Jha: Bhopal DIG
4. “Why the name ‘Ashram’?”: MP Minister Naorattam Mishra
5. Guidelines to be Issued for Filmmakers: MP Minister
6. Film Body Condemns Attack on Prakash Jha’s Set

Background

Lately, Bollywood actors, cricketers, content creators and brands are receiving flak for creating and supporting content that is allegedly hurtful to Hindu sentiments. Earlier last week, Indian ethnic apparel brand FabIndia received flak for naming its new clothing line for Diwali – ‘Jashn-e-Riwaaz’.

The same week, team India skipper Virat Kohli received backlash by netizens after his recent collaboration with Pinterest. The cricketer had been part of a campaign where he was going to share tips on how one can celebrate Diwali. This did not go well with thousands of Indians. Soon, #SunoKohli was trending across Twitter where he was being called out for making comments on the Hindu festival.

Recently, filmmaker Prakash Jha was attacked and his set was vandalized by a group of activists. The activists have called out for the change of the name of show.

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The Facts of the Matter

Film producer and director Prakash Jha was manhandled and smeared with ink in Bhopal on October 24. The director was shooting for another season of a web-show titled Ashram which stars Bobby Deol. The attack was carried out by a group of activists who called out for a change of the name of the show. The activists claimed that the show has been an “attack” on Hinduism.

No Complaints Made by Prakash Jha: Bhopal DIG

After the attack, Bhopal DIG (Deputy Inspector General) Irshad Wali claimed that thus far no complaints were made by Prakash Jha or any one from the show crew. The DIG also claimed that the police is working towards finding out those who were involved in the video based on some video footages that were available.

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“Why the name ‘Ashram’?”: MP Minister Naorattam Mishra

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Naorattam Mishra spoke with the media today and addressed the matter. The minister added that he supports the demand of changing the name of the show.

“Why the name ‘Ashram’? Try giving a name based on a different religion, then they will understand,” Mr. Mishra said. He further added that vandalizing a film or television set is wrong and added that so far 4 people have already been arrested in the matter.

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Guidelines to be Issued for Filmmakers: MP Minister

The MP Minister further tweeted in which he added that the state will be issuing a permanent guideline regarding shooting of sensitive and objectionable content. “We will be issuing a permanent guideline following the dispute. Now, filmmakers will have to first submit the script to the administration if their content has scenes sentiments of any religion can be hurt.”

Film Body Condemns Attack on Prakash Jha’s Set

Following the attack, the Producers Guild of India and Federation of Western India Cine Employees issued a statement condemning the attack. The film body claimed that the attack was a “brazen act of violence, harassment and vandalism”.

Adding that the incident was not an isolated one, the Guild is alarmed by the way and frequency with which “exhibition sectors and production are severely disrupted by elements with impunity”.

“Content production contributes significantly to local economies, generates employment and promotes tourism, which is why authorities in India and across the world formulate policies to attract producers to their respective regions,” the statement further read.