By Rahael Mathew
This is not the first time that an actress or actor has been charged for using a casteist or sexist remark. In 2017, both Salman Khan and Shilpa Shetty faced heat from the Valmiki Community for using the same racial slur. Millennials are beginning to hold celebrities accountable for their choice of words as they have the potential to influence thousands of people.
That being said, Actress Munmun Dutta, famously known for her role as Babita Iyer, in TV series Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, faced criticism after she used a casteist word in her recent video on makeup. In the video, Munmun Dutta was heard saying ,“Main Bhangi nahi dikhna chahti hoon.”
The word ‘Bhangi’ is a racial slur and offensive to the Valmiki community. Not only was the word used, but the Actress also stated she does not want to look the same. In response to this statement, contractor and political worker Naresh Bohit filed a complaint with the Goregaon Police Station. The complaint was then forwarded to Amboli Police Station.
The case was registered under IPC sections 295(A) and Section 3 (Prevention of Atrocities against SC/ST Act). The investigation has begun and the actress released a statement. In response to this FIR, Actress Munmun Dutta stated that her use of such a word was due language barriers and further was seen apologizing for the same in a video. Despite her efforts to apologize for the comment, another FIR was filed in Haryana as a video of her became viral.
While this is not the first time, netizens and minority communities wonder when the racial commentary will cease. Using words that further marginalize a community can be insulting to its members, not to mention sets the tone for more racial slurring. Celebrities ought to be sensitive and comment more responsibly in the future.