bollywood

Updated: Sep 14, 2017 13:59 IST

Actor Priyanka Chopra landed herself in a controversy after saying in an interview at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) that Sikkim is a state “troubled by insurgency” and Pahuna, a film produced by her company, is the first to come out of the region. People were quick to point out that Sikkim remains “one of the most peaceful states” in India and also named some of the compelling films that came out of the region.

Speaking in an interview after Pahuna received a standing ovation at TIFF, Priyanka told ET Canada, “Sikkim is a small state in the North-east of India which never had a film industry or anyone who made a film from the region. This is the first film ever that’s come out of that region, because it’s very troubled with insurgency and troubling situations.”

She added about the theme of Pahuna, “This is a film about two kids and their perspective on the refugee crisis on being moved from one place to another without understanding the reason.” Priyanka is also the brand ambassador of Assam.

While Sikkim’s film industry is yet in a nascent stage, films have been made in the state and even received wide critical acclaim. Prashant Rasaily, a very talented filmmaker, has made acclaimed films like Katha and Acharya. This year a Lepcha film ‘Dhokbu’ premiered which also earned a lot of praise.

Priyanka’s statements have attracted a backlash online and people are asking her to get her facts right. Here are some of the reactions:

OMG ~ That's so SAD ~ Probably the reel life #MaryKom mistook #Sikkim for #Manipur --- — Karma Bhutia (@iambhutia) September 13, 2017

@priyankachopra don't u dare scream discrimination when a white person calls u brown! You dense, ignorant imbecile! Leave #Sikkim alone! — Shiori 栞 (@Avvan23) September 13, 2017

I strongly condemn the statements of @priyankachopra against #Sikkim.

Shame on you #PriyankaChopra — SunCha KurumBang (@SunchaKurumbang) September 14, 2017

There's only one meaning to it n she also stated that this is sikkim's first film.Seriously dude she has no idea wat she's talking about. — Zigmi Bhutia (@zigmi_bhutia) September 14, 2017

She's speaking on a global stage she should atleast get her facts straight. It's casts a wrong idea for people who've never been to Sikkim. — Yanki Doma (@yaaankidoo) September 14, 2017

But does she know sikkim is a peaceful state and it has always been ? Where is insurgency in sikkim. Does she even know where sikkim is? — Edu Kaleon (@EduKaleon) September 14, 2017

Watch Priyanka Chopra’s interview here:

Priyanka is yet to comment on the controversy.

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