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.

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 8, 2017)

"At least get my name right. It's Gurpreet, not Gurmeet," says Gurpreet Kaur Chadha, former general secretary of the Mumbai Regional Mahila Congress, who finds herself in the midst of a controversy after Kangana Ranaut alleged that she refused to help her in her long standing legal tussle with actor Hrithik Roshan. Ranaut made the statement during an interview she gave to a talk show for Hindi channel that aired two days ago.

The actor claimed that Chadha, who had initially agreed to support her when she found herself in the middle of an ugly controversy over an alleged romance gone wrong and leaked personal emails, later chickened out saying the Roshans were too powerful for anyone to take on.

"When I referred to Rakeshji [Roshan] and Hrithik as 'bade log', I didn't intend to intimidate her [Kangana] like she is now suggesting. It was a simple comment," says Chadha, referring to Ranaut's accusation that the members of the women's committee were "saleable hypocrites".

Ranaut told the channel that Chadha, who she suggested belonged to the Maharashtra State Commission for Women (MSCW), was initially vested in her due to the "high-profile" nature of the case, but pulled back since she is close to the Roshans.

Chadha didn't deny that she knows the producer-director, but reasoned, "Kangana and Rangoli [Ranaut's sister] wanted to amicably sort out the issue and reached out to me because Rakeshji is like family. When I connected with him, he said he'd be willing to communicate only if Kangana apologised. When I told Rangoli about this, she said, 'The case is with the Cyber Crime Cell; they will pursue it.'"

Chadha adds that despite her requests, the Ranauts failed to send across a written complaint on the matter for her to pursue it officially. "There was no further communication with them. Rangoli stopped answering my calls." While Ranaut had spoken about Chadha's association with the MSCW, a claim that both, Chadha and the commission's president Vijaya Rahatkar refuted, sister Rangoli now says she "really didn't know" who Chadha was when they first met.

"A common friend got her to our home since she was in a position to help us. She assured us aid, highlighting that she works with the women's commission. But, two days later, she called us from Roshan's office and said that the commission wouldn't pursue the matter since they are powerful people," Rangoli tells mid-day, adding that this was the reason Kangana didn't approach Chadha again.

Chadha says a legal notice is in order. "Kangana owes me an apology. I will send her a notice. I could even sue her for defamation but I wouldn't do that to another woman."

Rahatkar chides the actor for dragging the commission into the controversy. "An educated woman like Kangana should be measured with her words before speaking loosely about responsible organisations. Neither has she approached us, nor is Gurpreet Chadha associated with us."

Interestingly, Sheetal Mahatra, president of the Mumbai Regional Mahila Congress, says she wasn't informed about the case.

"Gurpreet has not been active for the past year because of personal engagements. I was never informed about this case. After watching the episode [interview], I sent Kangana a text message, but I'm yet to hear from her."