Russell Peters’ derogatory remarks about Bollywood and its leading actors have outraged the Indian film industry which is calling on the Indo-Canadian comic to apologise and mind his language.
Peters, who is ranked as one of the top earning comics in North America was in India recently to promote his film, ‘Speedy Singhs’, when he hit out at the Bollywood film industry, saying he “hates” the movies and slamming them as “garbage” - despite admitting he’s never actually watched a Bollywood flick.
Inducted in Canada’s walk of fame last weekend, the actor’s unflattering remarks on Bollywood’s leading icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, has created quite a controversy.
Russell took a dig at Aishwarya saying, “She hasn’t become a better actor. She is still good looking, isn’t that good enough? Good job, Abhishek (her actor husband), you finally knocked her up.”
Aishwarya was obviously enraged by these comments. Now few women’s rights activists have joined her in her protest, and have demanded an apology from the actor for his remarks.
President of MNS Cine – workers union, Shalini Thackerey said, “He has no right to talk badly about our actors. His comment on Aishwarya Rai is indeed in bad taste and will never be forgotten.”
Said Sundari Thakur, from the NGO, Nari Samman Sangathan, “He should mind his language and stay within his limits. Aishwarya is a woman first and an actress later. I think Russell has no repect for women and shouldn’t be entertained.”
“The movies are all garbage, just terrible,” said the funnyman, last week in India. “It’s my opinion, obviously there are billions who like and love them.” Adding, “I don’t like all the singing, dancing and all the dramatic crying. I have never seen a Bollywood film in my life. I have refused doing [one] earlier and will do so in future. But I hope some filmmakers take a chance to make real movies.”
And it’s not just the movies that were on the receiving end of Russ’s acid tongue, as he also dubbed the actors and actresses “just pretty faces”. Adding, “I don’t think Indian actors are good.”
Askay Kumar, the producer of Speedy Singhs, which stars Peters, has apologized for the remarks.
Bollywood magazines and writers also tore a strip off Peters saying he needs to be sent a manners school.
Speedy Singh is a sports comedy about ice-hockey which has not been getting favourable reviews around the world.