While the world is going gaga over filmmaker SS Rajamouli’s film RRR (2022), veteran actor Ratna Pathak Shah recently said that it is a ‘regressive film’.
"Films like RRR are so popular today. But it’s a regressive film. It looks backwards while we should look forward. We just feel whatever we are doing is good because we are part of the mother of democracy — India," said the actor.
Shah shared her thoughts while she was in conversation at the launch event of a book titled The Queen, The Courtesan, The Doctor, The Writer by Sabah Khan at YWCA's Lady Willingdon Hostel in Mumbai.
The actress later added, “Until filmmakers will not see their work critically, we will have to watch films like RRR. But we don't like criticism. Our ego gets hurt. This atmosphere is created by so many big people and unfortunately, we have accepted it.”
Talking about the roles of women in today’s films, she said, “Women were standing at the back and crying. My mother did many roles where she was standing and crying. So, this stereotyping of women was very painful for me.
She added that she found theatre more progressive than films. “I used to think about it and when I grew up, I saw that theatre was very progressive. Theatre didn't have similar men-centric stories. Especially the kind of plays I used to do. My mother used to work with IPTA (Indian People's Theatre Association) and Gujarati commercial theatre, and I saw a clear difference in how women were portrayed and positioned in the plays. It was very clear to me that there are two ways to see women.”
Her comments on RRR did not go down well with a number of social media users who brutally trolled her.
“Doesn’t she get tired of complaining?” wrote one user.
In an interview with Indian Express, Shah also talked about the “Besharam Rang” controversy and said, “I would say we are living in very silly times, if these are the things that are on top of your mind. It isn’t something that I would like to talk about very much or give much credence to. But I am hoping that there are many more sensible people in India than are visible at the moment. They will come through, because what is happening, this sense of fear, sense of exclusion is not sustainable. I feel humans cannot sustain hate beyond a point. There is an uprise, but then you get exhausted with hate. I am waiting for that day to come.”
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Big B defends his choice to praise Abhishek openly and others privately
Amitabh Bachchan reveals why he praises Abhishek publicly but not Jaya or Aishwarya
Quick highlights:
Amitabh Bachchan has responded to online comments asking why he often praises son Abhishek Bachchan on social media but not wife Jaya Bachchan, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, or daughter Shweta. The actor explained that while he chooses to support Abhishek publicly, he honours the women in his family privately, saying he prefers to respect them “in his heart.”
Bachchan defends Abhishek praise, addresses fan remarks online
The 81-year-old actor, who regularly shares photos and thoughts with fans, recently posted images of himself meeting admirers outside his Mumbai home, Jalsa. Captioned “Yes, I praise Abhishek. So?”, the post sparked comments from users questioning why he doesn’t do the same for Jaya, Aishwarya, or Shweta.
Responding directly, Bachchan wrote, “Yes, I shall praise them in my heart… not publicly… respect for the ladies.” His reply quickly circulated across platforms, with many praising his thoughtful answer. Others pointed to his tendency to engage more often when defending Abhishek, especially around film releases.
Bachchan also shut down a user accusing him of having “paid fans,” bluntly replying, “Prove it! You are small-minded… why don’t you pay and get fans too?” When another person mocked those waiting outside his home as “unemployed,” he replied with characteristic wit: “So give them a job? When they stand at the gate of Jalsa, they are EMPLOYED in love.”
Actor remains active on social media while juggling film projects
Bachchan has become increasingly interactive online in recent years, often directly responding to criticism and fan feedback. Meanwhile, Abhishek was last seen in Housefull 5, a multi-starrer comedy that released earlier this month. Jaya Bachchan appeared in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in 2023, while Aishwarya Rai was part of Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan films. Despite the online chatter, Amitabh continues to walk his own path, on-screen and online.