‘Unnecessary remarks’ on films | PM Modi didn’t name anyone but his advice important, says Narottam Mishra

Last month, Narottam Mishra objected to actor Deepika Padukone’s costumes in the upcoming film Pathaan and had even hinted at a possible ban on the film in Madhya Pradesh.

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra on January 18 said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s advice to Bharatiya Janata Party members against making “unnecessary remarks“ on films was not directed at any individual but was of utmost importance.

On Tuesday, the concluding day of the BJP national executive held in Delhi, Mr. Modi reportedly told party workers that no one should make unnecessary comments that would overshadow the hard work done by the party.

Responding to a question on the PM’s reported remarks, Mr. Mishra — who has often targeted filmmakers and actors in the past — said that the PM’s remarks were shirodharya [a Hindi word that signifies something considered extremely important and whose closest translation is the English phrase “Your word is my command”].

“No one’s name has been taken but his every word and every sentence is shirodharya [of utmost importance] to us and that’s why all the workers have received inspiration from there [national executive]. Our conduct and behaviour are always filled with his guidance and energy and will continue to be filled even further,” he said.

Last month, Mr. Mishra had objected to actor Deepika Padukone’s costumes in the upcoming film Pathaan and had even hinted at a possible ban on the film in Madhya Pradesh.

Last October, he had threatened legal action against the upcoming film Adipurush for its alleged “wrong” depiction of Hindu deities, particularly Lord Hanuman. Apart from films, he has also expressed critical views on advertisements and sharply retorted to comments made by actors and film-makers who have voiced their opinions on the new trend of boycotting films.