Rishab Shetty sparks controversy with his comments on Bollywood

Shetty expressed that Bollywood films often depict India in a negative light

Controversy has ignited discussions on portrayal of women in Indian cinema

Renowned Kannada actor and director Rishab Shetty, who recently won the Best Actor in a Leading Role award at the 70th National Film Awards for his film Kantara, has sparked controversy with his comments on Bollywood.

In a recent interview with MetroSaga, Shetty expressed his belief that Bollywood films often depict India in a negative light on the global stage. He emphasized his commitment to portraying his nation, state, and language in a positive manner.

Also read: Salman Khan’s ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ to re-release on 35th anniversary: A nostalgic journey back to 1989

“Indian films, particularly Bollywood, often portray India negatively. These so-called art films receive special attention at international events,” Shetty reportedly stated in Kannada.

However, Shetty’s remarks have not gone unnoticed by the online community. A post on Reddit highlighted a scene from Kantara in which Shetty’s character pinches co-star Sapthami Gowda’s waist, sparking a debate about the portrayal of women in South Indian cinema. Critics pointed out the hypocrisy in Shetty’s stance, noting that such scenes contribute to the normalization of uncomfortable and often misogynistic tropes in Indian films.

The controversy has ignited a broader discussion on the portrayal of women in Indian cinema and the need for introspection across all regional film industries.