Saddened by the protests against his film PK, director Rajkumar Hirani on Tuesday rejected allegations that the movie was disrespectful to Hinduism and insisted that it projects oneness of humankind.
As protests by right-wing groups continued, Hirani said he had no intention to hurt anyone's sentiments and maintained that the the Aamir Khan-starrer upholds the true spirit of religion while condemning "only the abuse" of it.
"I'm deeply saddened and concerned about the protests by some groups against our film PK. On behalf of the entire team of PK, I would like to clarify that we respect all religions and faiths. 52-year-old Hirani, who has made films like 'Munnabhai' series and '3 Idiots', said there was no intention to hurt anyone through the film and contrary to the objections raised by the groups, his film upholds the concept of oneness of all humans.
"Our film is inspired by the ideas of Sant Kabir and Mahatma Gandhi. It is a film, which brings to fore the thought that all humans who inhabit this planet are the same. There are no differences," he said in a statement. He appealed to the protesting groups to see the film in totality and not just isolated scenes. "Our intention is not to hurt anyone, or to discriminate against any religion. I would once again like to assure them that I have the highest regard towards all religions, and that we respect all religions and faiths."
The film, which was released across the country on December 19, has already earned Rs 246.32 crore at the box office even as it has been facing protests from activists of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and All India Mahasabha in some cities. Several FIRs have been filed in different parts of the country by right-wing groups who allege that PK mocks Hindu gods and its contents were "highly provocative".
"I have the highest respect for the concept of 'Advait'- the oneness of all humans - that is central to Indian culture, thought, and religion. It saddens me to think that a film that upholds this great Hindu principal is accused of being disrespectful of Hinduism."I would like to thank the millions of deeply religious people who have loved the film and feel that it upholds the spirit of true religiosity and condemns only the abuse of it," the director said.
"I believe in the great Hindu idea—'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' - the whole world is a family. Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and indeed all religions, teach us brotherhood and love. The intent of the film is to uphold this great thought," he said.
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