The saffron colour of Deepika Padukone’s bikini in the Besharam rang song from Pathaan has sparked a debate which may snowball into a major controversy. The right-wing BJP has found the colour juxtaposed with the song’s lyrics objectionable. Hindus consider the saffron colour as sacred, and calling it besharam (shameless) has irked some of them.
Narottam Mishra, home minister of BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh lost no time in announcing that unless the costume’s colour was changed, it would have to be assessed whether the film should be allowed to release in his state. Mishra’s comments were soon followed by protests in the state, demanding a ban on the film which is scheduled to hit the screens in January next year. Members of a fringe right-wing outfit, identifying itself as Veer Shivaji Group gathered in Indore city and burned effigies of Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika, the two actors of Pathaan.
Another BJP member from Uttar Pradesh decried the costume and the colour, calling it an insult to The Hindu community.