Marathi Actress Expresses Anguish Over BJP MLA's Offensive Remarks; Plans to Meet Chief Minister

Mumbai, Dec 28 (NationPress) Veteran Marathi films and television actress Prajakta Mali has taken a stand against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Suresh R. Dhas for his inappropriate remarks directed at her, demanding a formal apology during a press conference held on Saturday.

During her interaction with the media, the 35-year-old actress revealed that she had lodged a complaint with the Maharashtra State Commission for Women (MSCW) and intends to approach Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Deputy Chief Ministers regarding the matter.

The actress, who embarked on her film journey at the age of 15 in Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Swades’ (2004), expressed her outrage towards Dhas, who represents Ashti in Beed district, for his insinuations that tarnished her character and reputation.

Breaking into tears multiple times during the press conference, Mali warned Dhas and other politicians against “dragging the names of film personalities into their political games,” as they are often viewed as vulnerable targets.

“This has been ongoing for over a month and a half, yet I chose not to react… My silence should not be misconstrued as agreement with the disparaging comments made about me,” Mali asserted.

Her frustration was particularly directed at Dhas’ comments which involved her alongside other Marathi actresses, made while discussing his political adversary, Dhananjay Munde of the ruling ally Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), amidst the controversy surrounding the assassination of Massajog Sarpanch, Santosh Pandit Deshmukh on December 9.

Among other accusations, Dhas suggested that actresses like Prajakta Mali frequently visit Parli, leaving her enraged, while also shocking the film community and distressing her family.

Firmly denouncing Dhas’ baseless and tasteless remarks regarding her character, she emphasized that he likely underestimated the harm inflicted on her dignity and reputation.

“His comments were based on a single brief encounter at a public event and a photograph. Yet, he made unfounded allegations. The media and social media amplified it, leading to thousands of videos going viral. We are all suffering; my mother couldn’t sleep throughout the night, and my brother has disabled all his social media accounts,” she said, her eyes brimming with tears.

Mali stated that she demands a public apology from Dhas, not only for herself but also on behalf of all women who have been unjustly affected by his words.

“I wish to convey to Dhas that while you are a politician, we are artists; our profession is entertainment. You may engage in your political activities, but why must you involve us actors? Are we the only female artists visiting Parli? Have no male artists ever been there? Why single us out?” Mali questioned.

She remarked that such conduct is unbecoming for politicians in the state, casting doubt on the character of female artists and their accomplishments merely to serve their political agendas, while the media sensationalizes these issues for higher TRPs.

Mali has requested the Maharashtra State Commission for Women (MSCW) to take action against all involved parties within the legal framework and has urged the Chief Minister to implement measures to prevent social media from sensationalizing such unfounded claims without evidence.

In response to a question, she indicated that the entertainment industry stands in solidarity with her, and if necessary, she is prepared to take on a leadership role to protect entertainers and celebrities from political harassment.

“If this continues, it raises concerns about whether people will encourage their children to pursue careers in the entertainment sector. While we entertain the masses, some individuals misuse and exploit our names for their own entertainment,” she stated firmly.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and various local political figures have voiced their support for Mali’s cause.

(Quaid Najmi can be reached at: qnajmi@gmail.com)