Hindu group threatens to burn Arshad Warsi alive for 'controversial' dialogue in upcoming film

Arshad was also told that his "body parts will be cut off"

Funny man Arshad Warsi, who has always steered clear of controversies, has recently received threats due to a dialogue in his upcoming movie, The Legend of Michael Mishra.

The Munna Bhai actor has received death threats via phone calls, texts and letters informing him that his "body parts will be cut off" and he'll be "burned alive" for saying "Daaku Valmiki se Sant Valmiki ban jayenge," Mumbai Mirror reports.

The dialogue refers to a prominent Hindu character in Sanskrit literature.

Poster of The Legend of Michael Mishra. PHOTO: REDDIF



It has hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu majority and an FIR has been filed against the actor as well as the makers of  The Legend of Michael Mishra. 

Arshad replied to the controversy saying, "Everyone knows the story of Valmiki, the writers researched their facts too. If I had thought that dialogue or anything else was offensive, I would not have done it. I've stayed away from X-rated content all through my career,"

For those who do not know the story of Sant Valmiki. pic.twitter.com/lepXhSbjGw

— Arshad Warsi (@ArshadWarsi) July 26, 2016

The actor revealed that the last time he was under threat because of a movie was when he was shooting Kabul Express. The Taliban threatened to have him killed.

A shot from Kabul Express. PHOTO: FILMFARE



"Today, everyone is so careful because India is packed with religious sentiments and there are so many reference groups to raise objections to anything. But this film has been cleared by the Censor Board which wanted two scenes edited from the film. For a smooth release, we will send an apology note to the Samaj in Delhi since I love the Capital and would like to visit it again," the Golmal actor shared.

He also believes that controversies should not be used to promote a film and the story as well as promos should be sufficient for a film's success.

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