Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee faced backlash for his behaviour towards a journalist for asking questions in Bengali at a trailer launch of the Hindi film ‘Maalik’.
During the event, held on July 1 at PVR, Juhu in Mumbai, Chatterjee questioned a journalist for asking questions in Bengali, which did not sit well with the internet.
The incident unfolded when a journalist asked about Chatterjee’s role in ‘Maalik’ and his thoughts on actor Rajkummar Rao portraying Sourav Ganguly in an upcoming biopic. Chatterjee interrupted the journalist, asking, “Why do you need to talk in Bengali?” His query was captured on video that went viral.
The internet expressed its displeasure and accused the Bengali cinema star of undermining his own language.
In response to the growing criticism, Prosenjit Chatterjee clarified his stance on Instagram. He shared a long note in Bengali and said that he was deeply hurt by how his remark was taken out of context and misunderstood. “A few days ago, a sentence of mine, went viral on social media. I want to say something about it.,” Chatterjee wrote. He explained that the event was primarily conducted in English and feared that not everyone present would understand Bengali. “But at that moment I felt that if I answered in Bengali, many people might not understand the correct meaning,” he stated.
Chatterjee acknowledged the misunderstanding caused by his remarks, expressing regret for any offence taken. “Since only that one sentence has been shared on social media, perhaps many people were offended by the literal meaning of that statement,” he said, adding that he also suffered from the backlash. The actor further emphasised his deep respect for the Bengali language, saying, “Bengali is the language of my life, of love.”
Chatterjee concluded his Instagram note by reaffirming his love for the Bengali language and culture. “Disrespecting your own mother tongue I can’t even dream of doing that. But for me, the judgment of the people of Bengal will always be supreme,” he wrote. He also expressed sorrow for any hurt caused, acknowledging the importance of the people’s sentiments in his life.
Prosenjit Chatterjee plays the ,which stars Rajkummar Rao in the lead role. Directed by Pulkit, of Bhakshak fame, the film is scheduled to release in theatres on July 11.