Mumbai: A case has been filed against Bollywood filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan for making derogatory remarks about the Hindu festival of Holi.
The complaint has been filed by Vikash Fhatak, popularly known as Hindustani Bhau.
Through his lawyer, Advocate Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh, Fhatak has lodged a complaint at Khar Police Station, urging authorities to take legal action against Farah Khan for her controversial statement made on Celebrity MasterChef on February 20.
Fhatak claims that Khan referred to Holi as “a festival for the Chhapris,” using a term that is widely seen as derogatory not only hurt his personal religious sentiments but also offended the larger Hindu community.
The term "Chhapri" is considered highly offensive and inappropriate, and Fhatak's lawyer, Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh, emphasized that using such language to describe a sacred festival is not only disrespectful but also has the potential to create communal disharmony.
An excerpt from the complaint read, “My client states that the accused has not only hurt my personal religious sentiments but has also disturbed the Hindu community at large. The incident involves Ms. Farah Khan. a prominent Bollywood filmmaker and choreographer, who recently made a highly derogatory and offensive remark against the Hindu festival of Holi. Through this complaint, I seek justice under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and request your esteemed office to initiate legal action against Khan for her irresponsible and inflammatory statements.”
An FIR has been filed against Khan under sections 196, 299, 302, and 353 of the Indian Penal Code
Farah Khan, currently a judge on Celebrity MasterChef, faced severe backlash on social media for her insensitive comment about Holi. She said, "Holi is the favourite festival of all the chhapri people." For those unfamiliar, the term "chhapri" is considered a casteist slur. Khan was heavily trolled on social media for the remark.