"Bollywood will never portray India negatively."
The Indo-Canadian actress Nitasha Sharma fired back at Rishab Shetty’s remark.
Rishab is an actor and filmmaker who is known for his work in Kannada cinema.
He alleged that Bollywood represented India negatively.
Rishab said: “Indian films, particularly Bollywood, often portray India negatively.
“These so-called art films get showcased at international events and receive special attention.
“For me, my nation, my state, and my language are sources of pride.
“I believe in presenting them in a positive light to the world, and that’s exactly what I strive to do.”
Nitasha Sharma disagreed with Rishab, stating that Bollywood representations have been largely positive.
She explained: “I don’t agree with what was said.
“For me and millions of other Indians living abroad, be it Bollywood or regional cinema, they have majorly portrayed our country in a positive light and very close to what it is.
“Bollywood will never portray India negatively.
“Such statements at times are blown out of proportion and we tend to react instantly.
“I am someone who has stayed in Canada for a long time and for the people there, cinema means Bollywood.
“Today, even regional cinema be it Punjabi or South all caters for a very large chunk of the audience in the West.
“Be it my neighbourhood, my grandparents, parents, and now us, it has always been films from India that have kept us hooked and entertained for years.
“It was more the reason I decided to make a career in the Indian film industry.
“It makes me so proud. My Punjabi film Honsla Rakh (2021) and songs including ‘Chann’ (2022) with ‘Babbu Mann’ all have been well received in the US and Canada.
“People there watch a wide range of cinema that is being made in India be it for digital or theatre and trust me, we love it.
“It’s because of such content that we all want to visit and revisit our country.
“It’s because of this craze that you see such big worldwide releases and projects be it films or on OTT doing good business.”
Nitasha Sharma made her Bollywood debut with the film Rautu Ka Raaz (2024) which starred Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
It premiered on ZEE5 and gained international viewership. Talking about this, Nitasha continued:
“My film won me quite a few fans back in Canada.
“While travelling back I got to witness the way film was liked by many.”
“Actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Prabhas, Nawazuddin Siddiqui have a big following there and people just love our cinema.”
Nitasha Sharma was not the only person who disagreed with Rishab Shetty’s opinion.
A few netizens called out the apparent hypocrisy in his statement.
One user shared a clip of a film where Rishab’s character pinched a woman’s waist.
They said: “Also another scene where he was peaking when she is bathing.
“It was really uncomfortable to watch – no doubt the movie was great but sexual harassment is too normalised in Indian cinema.”
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