Vivek Agnihotri Takes CLEVER Dig At Deepika Padukone! Says, ‘Had No Idea About JNU Politics, PR Must’ve Sent To Promote The Film’

Vivek Agnihotri has stirred up fresh controversy by speaking out about Deepika Padukone’s 2020 visit to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The actress had made headlines back then for silently standing with protesting students just days before the release of her film Chhapaak.

In a new interview with journalist Shubhankar Mishra, Agnihotri claimed that Deepika may not have fully understood the political weight of her appearance. He said, “I can guarantee that Deepika had no idea about JNU politics when she went there” and added that it might’ve been a PR-driven move.

Vivek Agnihotri Feels Deepika Padukone Visited JNU To Promote Her Film

Agnihotri explained that his remark wasn’t about questioning Deepika’s intelligence. He said, “It’s not about being dumb. Her PR must’ve told her that this is a good opportunity to promote your film, because the university is associated with politics, and the film is also political. If she had known, she wouldn’t have come.”

He added that stars often act on what their teams suggest during promotions. The director added, “During film promotions, there are too many voices telling stars what to do and who to speak to. Her PR was mistaken; they thought it was an event. But it wasn’t an event. Bigger fish than her have been fried for getting involved in politics.”

Agnihotri stressed that political moves (even accidental ones) come with risks. He said, “You play with fire, you get burned. I do know that she is a very smart and intelligent woman. Had she known that this is a politically sensitive place and that it might impact her career, she would’ve definitely not gone.”

The Chhapaak Connection

Deepika Padukone visited JNU in January 2020, just before Chhapaak hit theatres. In the film, she played Malti, an acid attack survivor fighting for justice. Though the movie was praised for its message and Deepika’s performance, it underperformed at the box office.

Her campus visit sparked mixed reactions. While some hailed it as brave, others criticised it as a publicity stunt. Now, the controversy has found its way back into the headlines with the latest comments from The Bengal Files director.