1698828270-0/uorfichotupandit-(1)1698828270-0.png "tribune")
Uorfi Javed has made distressing claims regarding her safety after allegedly receiving threatening messages following her recreation of a look from the iconic Bollywood film Bhool Bhulaiyaa.
Taking to Instagram, Javed expressed her shock and concern, asserting that she had been targeted with both death and rape threats after recreating the appearance of Rajpal Yadav's character, Chota Pandit, from the 2007 film. The role remains one of Yadav's most recognizable and cherished performances.
Javed posted a collage on social media, featuring her side by side with Yadav in the iconic attire. She donned a red full-sleeve T-shirt and saffron pants, donning a garland around her neck and painting her face in red, imitating the character's look from the movie.
Expressing her dismay, Javed highlighted the stark contrast between the lack of controversy surrounding the original character and the backlash she received for emulating it. She emphasised that the recreation was intended as part of her Halloween costume and expressed disappointment at the unwarranted hostility she faced.
"No one had a problem with Rajpal Yadav, but when I recreated the look, everyone had a problem with me," she said. "I’ve received so many death threats, rape threats for no reason. All these so-called protectors of religion suddenly woke up after I wore this outfit! No colour belongs to any religion, no incense sticks belong to any religion, no flower belongs to any religion."
On X (formerly Twitter), Javed further shared images and screenshots of the threatening messages she received. The influencer expressed her astonishment at the severity of the backlash, revealing her frustration at receiving such hateful and threatening comments for merely recreating a character from a movie that initially did not attract such negativity. "I’m just shocked and appalled by this country. I’m getting death threats in recreating a character from a movie whereas that character didn’t get any backlash," shared the influencer.
I’m just shocked and appalled by this country mahn , I’m getting death threats in recreating a character from a movie where as that character didn’t get any backlash :/ pic.twitter.com/pOl9FvTYzT
— Uorfi (@uorfi_) October 30, 2023
Earlier, Javed had posted a video on Instagram wherein she presented the recreated Chota Pandit look. In her caption, she clarified the character's origin, stating her readiness for a Halloween event, which she ultimately could not attend. Therefore, she opted to share the video online.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the fine line between appreciation and critique in the realm of creative expression, emphasising the need for tolerance and understanding within social media spaces. Javed's case highlights the potential risks and consequences influencers and public figures may face when engaging in harmless acts of emulation or artistic expression in the public domain.
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