Saif Ali Khan, who played the role of Lankapati Ravana in Adipurush, has finally spoken out about the controversy that surrounded the film. Released in 2023, Adipurush faced major backlash, especially after Saif’s portrayal of Ravana was criticized by various groups, including the Hindu Mahasabha. The controversy escalated when Saif commented that Ravana’s character would be shown in a “human form,” which sparked outrage.
Though he retracted his statement later, the damage had been done, leading to severe criticism. In a recent interview with India Today, Saif reflected on the entire episode and discussed how the controversy deeply affected him.
“Didn’t Expect It to Escalate So Much,” Says Saif Ali Khan
In the interview, Saif admitted that the reaction to his portrayal of Ravana caught him off guard. He said, “I didn’t know that things would escalate to this extent.” He expressed his surprise at how both he and the film’s creators were dragged into the controversy. Saif mentioned that the court had ruled actors are responsible for their on-screen statements, a point that left him deeply unsettled.
Saif went on to share that the situation was disturbing, as he didn’t intend to hurt anyone’s religious sentiments.
Saif Ali Khan: “It’s Better to Stay Away from Religious Issues”
Saif further emphasized that sensitive topics like religion should be approached with caution. He said, “We all need to watch what we say and be careful, otherwise it can lead to unnecessary trouble.” He added that religion is a subject best left untouched in the entertainment industry, as it often leads to controversy. “We are not here to create trouble,” Saif noted, suggesting that actors and filmmakers should be more mindful about the content they produce.
Controversy Around ‘Tandav’ Also Brought Up
In the same interview, Saif also spoke about the uproar surrounding his web series Tandav, where his role as a political leader caused a stir. Reflecting on both experiences, Saif stressed that one learns from such projects. His takeaway? Stay away from controversial subjects to avoid unnecessary issues.
Adipurush, which starred Prabhas as Ram and Kriti Sanon as Sita, was a major box-office disappointment despite the huge expectations surrounding it.
