According to recent reports, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt visited Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar temple to seek blessings and to promote their up-coming film Brahmastra. However, due to a large protest by Bajrang Dal members, Ranbir and Alia were denied to enter the Temple and had to return without the holy Darshan. Later Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra clarified the matter. He said there was no restriction on them to offer prayers at the temple. Because of the protests, they chose not to go inside.
How the Protest started and why?
In the midst of social media boycott calls for the film Brahmastra, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt were seen promoting their film at Mahakaleshwar temple with Director Ayan Mukherji. When the Bajrang Dal learned of their visit to the Mahakal Temple, the group assembled outside the Temple and protested to stop them. They organized the protest after an old interview of Ranbir appeared on social media. In which the Bollywood actor can be seen talking about his “love for beef.” Ranbir said, “I am a mutton, paya, and beef fan. Yeah, I am a big beef fan,”
After which, Bajrang Dal District President Ankit Chaubey said, “We are here to protest against Ranbir Kapoor. He has made derogatory comments against Gau Mata.” He went on to say that Ranbir Kapoor claimed on camera that eating beef is good. Bajrang Dal will not allow a beef-eater to enter the Temple.
No one stopped Alia and Ranbir from entering the Temple, says Minister
Following the protest on Wednesday, the state Minister of Madhya Pradesh stated that security was in place and that no one prevented them from entering the temple and completing the Puja. He claimed that, all of the other members of the film team, including Ayan Mukherji, went to the temple to pray, but Ranbir and Alia denied due to the protest. He also said that artists and actors should stay away from making remarks that can hurt the sentiments of the people.
“There was no restriction on them offering prayers (at the temple). Others accompanying the actor couple had offered prayers, and all arrangements were in place.” Home Minister Narottam Mishra told reporters.
On September 9, the film will premiere in theatres. Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Nagarjuna and Mouni Roy in the lead roles. It will be released in 3D in five different languages including, English, Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada. The story revolves around Shiva who begins a journey of self-discovery and love. During his journey, he has to face many evil forces that threaten our existence.