"There was nothing like that in the film."
Shalini Pandey addressed the controversy and criticism surrounding her film Maharaj (2024).
The Netflix film was inspired by real events involving Karsandas Mulji, a Gujarati journalist who took a stand against a predatory spiritual leader.
The film’s release was temporarily halted by the Gujarat High Court, following a petition from the Vaishnavite Pustimargi sect.
However, Maharaj, directed by Siddharth P Malhotra, ultimately premiered on Netflix on June 21, 2024.
Divulging her thoughts on the matter, Shalini Pandey said:
“I knew the sentiments around it and I personally felt that we didn’t do anything to disrespect anyone.
“There was nothing like that in the film. People were assuming.
“I’m happy it is finally out. Of course, we did not feel good about [the stay] then.
“The film is everyone’s baby and when you work on a project, you wish it sees the light of the day.
“Siddharth P Malhotra was extremely worried and anxious and I would have felt really bad if the film would have gotten shelved.
“But beyond a point, I couldn’t do anything.”
“There are mixed emotions, but overall we are getting a good response.
“When you work on something, you want people to see it and am glad that it is happening.
“Moreover, after watching it, people who know me have been telling me that we thought there would be something bigger because of which people were reacting that way, but there was nothing as such.”
Shalini played the role of Karsandas’ fiancee Kishori in Maharaj.
Her character fell prey to the creepy spiritual leader Yadhunath Brijratanji ‘JJ’ Maharaj (Jaideep Ahlawat).
Talking about the challenges of her role, Shalini said: “It was pretty challenging to take up that role.
“It didn’t seem difficult in my head or when it was on paper when I heard and read about it.
“But when it actually happened, then I felt that it was making me anxious.
“When I was doing it, I realised that there are actual people with blind faith who are believing and doing it.”
“Thinking about that made me really uncomfortable and getting out of that human and moving on was also a process.”
Maharaj also marked the acting debut of Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan.
Junaid stated that Aamir liked the film and provided suggestions about it.
Meanwhile, Shalini Pandey will next be seen in the television drama Dabba Cartel.
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