Case filed against Saif Ali Khan for 'hurting religious sentiments’

Actor said some controversial things with regards to his upcoming film in a recent interview which he apologised for

A case has been filed against Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan by an advocate in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh over ‘hurting religious sentiments’ in his recent interview regarding his upcoming film.

The actor said his film Adipurush, which is the screen adaptation of Ramayana, would show the “humane” side of Ravan, reported The Indian Express. Saif will play the antagonist Lankesh, based on Ravan in the Om Raut directorial, while South Indian actor Prabhas will play a role inspired by Lord Ram in the upcoming film.

The petition states that Saif’s controversial interview dated December 6 quoted him saying “Ravan was justified in kidnapping Sita because Ram’s younger brother Laksman had cut his sister Surpanakha’s nose.”

In the Mumbai Mirror interview, Saif had said, “It’s interesting to play a demon king, less strictures in that. But we will make him humane, up the entertainment quotient; justify his abduction of Sita and the war with Ram as revenge for what was done to his sister Surpanakha by Lakshman, who cut off her nose.”

Following criticism online, the actor had apologised and withdrawn his statements.

But according to IANS, the plaintiff has alleged that Saif’s interview is a negative portrayal of “faith” and “faith in Sanatan Dharma”. Apart from the plaintiff, six others also saw the interview online, and it has hurt their religious sentiments, the petitioner added.

The case is in the court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM), who has fixed December 23 as the next date of hearing.