The post likened poll results with dating history of actor’s former co-star
MUMBAI MIRROR (May 21, 2019)

If popular opinion on the social media is to be believed, Vivek Oberoi has lost the plot in real life as well. On Monday, the actor invited the wrath of netizens by sharing a meme featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a former co-star who he dated briefly in the 2000s.

Offering a take on the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the meme drew parallels between the much-awaited outcome and the former pageant queen-turned-actress’s dating history. Vivek retweeted it. “Haha, creative! No politics here… just life,” he noted, presumably downplaying the joy of being associated with an A-list actress. Soon after, the actor who is waiting for the release of his Modi biopic, was flooded with criticism. “Disgusting and classless,” Sonam Kapoor tweeted, while Swati Maliwal, Chairperson, Delhi Commission for Women, said, “It is hardly hilarious. It’s crass, disgusting and reveals the sick mentality of its ‘creator’ @vivekoberoi. Evident that the man lacks everything—political as well as life skills.”

Vijaya Rahatkar, chairperson of Maharashtra Women’s Commission, said they will send a notice to Vivek for his tweet, which is “disrespectful towards women”.

Later, Vivek was quoted as telling ANI, “I have no problem in apologising, but tell me what have I done wrong? I don’t think I have done anything wrong. Somebody tweeted a meme and I laughed at it.”

“I don’t know why people are making a huge issue out of it. Someone sent me a meme which made fun of me. I laughed at it and appreciated the person’s creativity. If someone mocks you, you should not take it seriously. Those in the meme don’t have a problem, but everyone else does.”

When prodded on being issued notices, the actor said, “I’d like to meet them and explain myself because I don’t think I have done anything wrong.” He also reacted to Sonam’s tweet, saying, “Aap apni filmon mein thoda kam overact karein aur social media pe thoda kam overreact karein. I’ve been working in women empowerment for 10 years now. I don’t think this is hurting anyone’s sentiments.”

I have no problem in apologising, but tell me what wrong have I done? I don’t think I have done anything wrong. Somebody tweeted a meme and I laughed at it

MEANWHILE...NCW ISSUES NOTICE FOR 'MISOGYNIST' POST

The National Commission for Women on Monday sent a notice to Vivek Oberoi and asked him to give an explanation for sharing an "insulting" and "misogynist" post on Twitter comparing poll results and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's personal life. The actor's post is "extremely offensive, unethical and shows disrespect towards the dignity and respect of women in general", the women's panel said in its notice, asking Vivek to tender an explanation in the matter. "You have made insulting and misogynistic post on twitter carrying picture of a minor girl and a woman. It has been reported that you had drawn a sly comparison between the poll result and a woman's personal life," the notice said.