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Hansal Mehta expressed regret over the portrayal of Dr. Manmohan Singh in the film, especially in light of Singh’s passing at the age of 92.
Anupam Kher and Hansal Mehta worked together in The Accidental Prime Minister.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher and acclaimed filmmaker Hansal Mehta found themselves embroiled in a heated exchange on X after journalist Vir Sanghvi criticised the 2019 film The Accidental Prime Minister. The movie, based on former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s tenure, was a cinematic adaptation of the book by Singh’s former media advisor, Sanjaya Baru.
Sanghvi’s tweet read: “If you want to remember the lies that were told about Manmohan Singh, you should rewatch The Accidental Prime Minister. It is not only one of the worst Hindi movies ever made but is an example of how media was used to tarnish the name of a good man.”
Hansal Mehta endorsed Sanghvi’s statement with a simple retweet, writing, “+100.” This did not sit well with Kher, who starred as Dr. Singh in the movie.
Kher lashed out at Mehta in a strongly worded post, accusing him of hypocrisy. “The HYPOCRITE in this thread is NOT @virsanghvi. He has the freedom to not like a film. But @mehtahansal was the #CreativeDirector of #TheAccidentalPrimeMinister. Who was present at the entire shoot of the film in England! Giving his creative inputs and must have taken the fee also for it. So for him to say 100% to #VirSanghvi’s comment is so messed up and full of double standards! Not that I agree with Mr. Sanghvi but we are all capable of doing bad or indifferent work. But we should OWN it. Not like #HansalMehta trying to earn some brownies from a certain section of people. Common Hansal!! Grow up! I still have all our videos and pics of the shoot together!”
Responding calmly, Mehta acknowledged his mistakes, writing, “Of course I own my mistakes, Mr. Kher. And I can admit that I made a mistake. Can’t I, sir? I did my job as professionally as I was allowed to. Can you deny that? But it doesn’t mean I have to keep defending the film or that it makes me lose objectivity about my error of judgment.”
In a measured tone, he added, “Call me names if you wish. Apologies if I’ve inadvertently hurt you. Sending love to you. Whenever you wish, we will speak and clear the air. I will not give space to trolls to distort this further and have a field day at our expense. Good night, belated X’mas greetings, and a happy new year in advance. To you and all the hyperactive trolls.”
Of course I own my mistakes Mr Kher. And I can admit that I made a mistake. Can’t I sir? I did my job as professionally as I was allowed to. Can you deny that? But it doesn’t mean I have to keep defending the film or that it makes me lose objectivity about my error of judgement.… https://t.co/UIgc4Pdvww— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) December 27, 2024
Earlier in the day, Mehta expressed regret over the portrayal of Dr. Manmohan Singh in the film, especially in light of Singh’s recent passing at the age of 92. Reflecting on the former PM’s legacy, Mehta tweeted, “The nation owes him an apology. More than anybody else, I owe him one. Whatever the compulsion or intent, it is a regret I will carry with a very heavy heart. Sorry, sir. Besides your achievements as an economist, Finance Minister, and Prime Minister, you were an honorable man—a rare gentleman in a vocation dominated by ruffians.”
