T'wood responds to filmmaker's allegations of 'paid protests'

In a recent interview with a Bengali newspaper, filmmaker Arindam Sil claimed that some T’wood actors were paid and given cellphones to attend the RG Kar protests. The remark drew backlash from actors and netizens, who called the claim offensive, stressing their participation was driven by a call for justice. Sil clarifies his statements to CT, saying his comments were misinterpreted and reaffirmed his support for the cause. We also reached out to several prominent protestors for their reactions.

What sparked the backlash?
In the interview, the filmmaker was quoted saying, “Widespread protests erupted across the city, with several well-known personalities joining the movement on the streets. However, there are murmurs – reportedly from their own acquaintances, who are claiming that many of them received appearance fees and cellphones for attending the protests. If true, such actions are deeply condemnable.” He was further quoted saying, “These allegations aren’t personal – they’ve become an open secret circulating within the industry. These aren’t my words, but if one listens to the ongoing conversations in Tollywood, they’ll know what people are saying.”



I haven’t made any personal allegations: Arindam
Expressing that “hearing such things about one’s fraternity hurts,” Arindam clarified to us that his remarks weren’t meant as direct allegations. “I have my deepest respect for all genuine causes. In an interview, I tried to express that despite such a major cause for which many were in solidarity, there have been a few who’ve taken benefits for appearances, and such incidents have been told to me by a few who were consistently a part of the protests. Such hearsays were already doing rounds and have been confirmed in other interviews by some. Personally, I again clarify I have not made any allegations to anyone,” he said.

‘Request you to provide evidence’

Kinjal Nanda, actor and doctor who led the movement, said Arindam Sil’s allegation raises important questions. “You must have evidence to support your statements,” he stated, urging the filmmaker to provide proof publicly. If not, Nanda believes Sil should apologise. “I’m not discussing the allegations, but as an actor, I have the right to know, and I hope you’ll respond publicly like you did with the media.”

‘Is he getting paid to make such false remarks?’
Actors Debleena Dutt and Chaiti Ghoshal both criticised Arindam Sil’s recent comments. Debleena said, “When we were protesting, such remarks were common, and we called them anti-movement. I think Sil has joined that group too,” and questioned if people get paid to speak against protests. Chaiti, pointing to Sil’s recent sexual harassment controversy, stated, “What he’s saying doesn’t matter to us,” adding that Sil, “out of work,” is making unpleasant remarks to stay in the spotlight.


Quotes:
All I’ll say is that trash doesn’t deserve a response. I have nothing more to add on this topic – Swastika Mukherjee


He must name the actresses he claims accepted gifts to join the protests, otherwise, he must issue a public apology. He cannot dodge responsibility with vague words. Since he made the statement to a journalist, it is his duty to back it up with proof– Sudipta Chakraborty


He hasn’t directed good films in a while and now seeks attention through such statements. His words only reveal his true character. If someone calls you mad on the street, you ignore it
– same here – Sohini Sarkar