Veteran actor Annu Kapoor has once again sparked controversy by accusing the makers of the 2007 hit film Chak De! India of weaving a communal narrative into the storyline. Kapoor alleged that the film’s creators intentionally altered the lead character to portray a Muslim, instead of maintaining the real-life inspiration.
Speaking on the issue, Kapoor highlighted that Shah Rukh Khan’s character, Kabir Khan, was based on renowned hockey coach Mir Ranjan Negi. According to Kapoor, the filmmakers deliberately changed the coach’s name to “Kabir Khan” to fit a specific communal framework.
Kapoor’s Allegations
“The main character in Chak De! India is based on a famous coach, Negi Saab. But in India, they want to show a Muslim as a good character and make fun of a Pandit (Hindu priest),” Kapoor told ANI. “This is part of an old trend, where the concept of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb (Hindu-Muslim unity) is used to push a particular agenda.”
This statement comes just days after another of Kapoor’s controversial remarks regarding his co-star Priyanka Chopra during the shooting of 7 Khoon Maaf. Kapoor claimed that Chopra was reluctant to kiss him on screen because he was not a mainstream hero, a comment that also generated significant attention and debate.
About the Film
Chak De! India, directed by Shimit Amin and released in 2007, tells the story of Kabir Khan, a former Indian men’s hockey player who faces accusations of betraying his country after losing a crucial match against Pakistan. In an effort to redeem himself, Kabir takes on the challenge of coaching the Indian women’s hockey team, a group of underdogs struggling for recognition. The film was both a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its portrayal of women’s empowerment and the sports genre.
Shah Rukh Khan’s performance as Kabir Khan was widely acclaimed, and the film featured a cast of relative newcomers as the women’s hockey players. The movie, known for its stirring narrative of team spirit and perseverance, has since become one of Bollywood’s iconic sports films.
Kapoor’s Career
Annu Kapoor, known for his work in films such as Mandi, Utsav, Mr. India, Ghayal, Hum, Aitraaz, and 7 Khoon Maaf, also hosts a popular radio show, Suhaana Safar With Annu Kapoor. His outspoken nature has often landed him in the news, and this latest statement is likely to add to his reputation for stirring public debate.
