Bhopal: Film Director Prakash Jha was attacked by Bajrang Dal members and his face smeared with ink on Sunday. Bajrang Dal members went on attacking other film crew members in Bhopal where Jha was shooting for web series Ashram.
Many videos have emerged that show Bajrang Dal members chasing down crew and beating him mercilessly with a metal light stand.
Members of the right-wing group said Prakash Jha’s web series ‘Ashram’ starring Bobby Deol was an assault on Hinduism and they will not allow its filming till the title was changed.
According to NDTV,Mr Jha has not filed a complaint in the matter yet, has assured that he will change the name of the series.
A mob of Bajrang Dal members shouted slogans like “Prakash Jha Murdabad”, “Bobby Deol Murdabad” and “Jai Shri Ram” as they attacked the set at Old Jail Premises located in Arera Hills in the evening.
“They made Ashram 1, Ashram 2 and were shooting Ashram 3 here. Prakash Jha showed in Ashram that the guru was abusing women. Does he have the guts to make such a film on a church or madrasa? Who does he think he is?” Bajrang Dal leader Sushil Surhele said.
“Bajrang Dal challenges him, we won’t let him make this film. So far we have just blackened Prakash Jha’s face. We are looking for Bobby Deol. He should learn something from his brother (Sunny Deol). He made such patriotic movies,” he added.
Bhopal police has assured that action will be taken against involved in the vandalism will be identified and arrested soon.
“Anti-social elements ransacked vehicles created trouble. Crew members of Ashram will be given fill security and it will be ensured this does not happen again,” he added.
Attack and vandalism on TV and film sets are becoming common in last few years. Groups associated with BJP had attacked Sanjay Leela Bhansali in 2017 because the had issues with some scenes in the movie ‘Padmavat’.
Earlier this year, Hindu right wing groups had raised objections on the Amazon web series ‘Tandav’ and demanded apology from Amazon.
