Priyanka Chopra apologises for Sikkim ‘insurgency’ comment

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra is in the news and this time around, an interview of Priyanka has landed her in trouble for calling Sikkim, one of India’s most peaceful states, ‘troubled by insurgency’.


Her comment came after the worldwide premiere of her home production Pahuna, a film which talks about refugee crises through the eyes of two Nepalese children.

While talking about how Pahuna was a ground-breaking achievement, she said that it was the first film to come out of the region. “Sikkim is a small state in the North-east of India which never had a film industry or anyone who made films 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 said.

The actor was soon attacked for getting her facts wrong. After massive outrage on social media, the Baywatch actor tendered an apology to Ugen Gyatso , the tourism minister of Sikkim in which she said she was aware that Sikkim was an ‘incredible host nation to so many refugees’.

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The 35-year-old actor issued an official statement to the media apologising for her comments. She said, “It saddens me that a comment I made during a recent interview at TIFF has caused this much pain when that was never the intention at all. I never meant to imply that Sikkim has insurgency. My statement was in context of the film that deals with people who seek refuge after they suffer from conflict. Sikkim is a peaceful, green state with peace loving people. I know that my statements have hurt the sentiments and pride of the people of Sikkim and for that I truly apologise.”

“I have always taken pride as being someone who is informed about the world but this time, some of the statements made were incorrect and while I should have been better informed about certain facts, I take full responsibility for what I said. I understand now that our film was not the first Sikkimese film to be made, but our aim has always been to provide local talent, both actors and technicians, a global platform to shine. My team and I have had a wonderful experience working in the state and with the local cast and crew and are thankful to the support extended by the Government of Sikkim.” she added.

Priyanka also asked for forgiveness from the people and Government of Sikkim. “I understand the impact of the statements made and hope that the people and Government of Sikkim find it in their hearts to forgive me,” said Priyanka.

On the work front, Priyanka will next be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Gustakhiyan’. The film is expected to hit the screens in 2018.

About Jyoti Nagdev

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