The makers of Manoj Bajpayee starrer Ghooskhor Pandat have been facing a lot of wrath for the usage of 'Pandat' in their film's title. After receiving criticism on social media, the makers also had an FIR filed against them in Lucknow, under allegations of defaming the Brahmin community. Earlier today, the film’s producer Neeraj Pandey issued a clarification on the title, also announcing that the film’s teaser has been pulled down. Now, the film’s lead actor Manoj Bajpayee has reacted to the controversy. 

Taking to his X page, Manoj penned a long note, expressing his feelings on the subject. The actor began the note by acknowledgeing the hurt sentiments, adding, “When something you are part of causes hurt to some people, it makes you pause and listen.”

Defending his decision to portray the role, then, Manoj stated, “For me, this was about portraying a flawed individual and his journey of self-realisation. This was not meant to be a statement about any community.” The Family Man actor also defended his producer Neeraj Pandey, praising the filmmaker’s ‘consistent seriousness and care’ in his approach to films.

Manoj also confimed that all promotional material for Ghooskhor Pandat has been taken down ‘in light of the public sentiment.’ 

Directed by Ritesh Shah, Ghooskhor Pandat stars Nushrat Bharuccha, Saqib Saleem, Akshay Oberoi, and Divya Dutta in primary cast. 

This is Neeraj’s sixth collaboration with Manoj Bajpayee after Special 26, Naam Shabana, Aiyaary, Saat Uchakkey and Missing.