MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Richa Chadha has been slammed over the poster of her upcoming film 'Madam Chief Minister' where she plays a Dalit woman who becomes the chief minister.
As per the reports, the movie is loosely based on the life of former chief minister Mayawati.
The criticisms came from Dalit and Bahujan communities who pointed out how the community is stereotyped in the poster where Chadha is holding a broom.
Netizens said that Mayawati was a teacher before she entered politics and the poster, stereotyping Dalits, is offensive.
The poster also has the caption "untouchable, unstoppable" and people slammed the makers for trivialising the atrocities faced by Dalits in the form of "untouchability."
Chadha had requested people not to jump to conclusions before the film is out. She added that the movie is about CM Mayawati.
She was further slammed for sharing an open letter on Harpers.org that called for open debate and free speech.
It was the same controversial open letter that was signed by author JK Rowling during the "anti-trans" controversy.
Read: JK Rowling's Anti-Trans Views Trigger Row, Fans Donate To Different Causes
Richa Chadha, who is known for her left-leaning views and dissenter of the Modi government, responded to some of the criticisms.
You think that letter is tonedeaf, I do not. Is there space for me to disagree with you? Should I use my platform and privilege only how, when and where you decide?Am criticized daily by the Right. I don't acknowledge it if I don't feel like. Why should this be different? https://t.co/TRvd0ZCw4y
— TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) January 5, 2021
Am so sorry to have failed your woke agni-pariksha. Sorry to disappoint you, that me of all people can disagree with you on certain aspects of cancel-culture. Again, watch the film or at least the trailer? For we do become what we hate quite easily sometimes... https://t.co/lyNqGP3ZaZ
— TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) January 5, 2021
Didn't brand a single critic as anything at all. Where did you see that, cuz that's a lie ? Also, is twitter the platform for nuanced discussion in 280 characters? Since when ? https://t.co/RxyiD44fRF
— TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) January 5, 2021