Sidharth Malhotra plugs 'A Gentleman' in tweet about Haryana riots, gets trolled

Sidharth Malhotra might just have bit off more than he can chew. The A Gentleman actor set off a new storm while trying to offer his sympathies to those under the threat of riots in Haryana yesterday.

Even as the situation in Haryana grew tense over the expected clashes between the followers of Ram Rahim Singh and the police in the state of Haryana, Malhotra tweeted 'To all the people of Haryana , please stay safe. Hope you can see our film soon #Agentleman #PeaceAndLove'

Needless to say, Malhotra's attempt to try and promote his film during a time like this did not go well. The riots in Haryana, between the followers of Ram Rahim Singh and the state police, have resulted in the deaths of 32 people, leaving more than 350 injured.

People on Twitter did not appreciate the actor's attempt to use the event as a promotional peg. Even Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, Omar Abdullah, admonished Malhotra for it.

A few others went further, and called for the film to be banned.

In his defense, Malhotra tweeted that he had posted the message before the situation in Haryana worsened. Replying to the criticism, the actor wrote 'To people who are commenting on my morning tweets,they were made before the verdict ! Thoughts n prayers.'

Despite the apology, the damage seems to have been done. Malhotra might need more than gentlemanly behaviour to get away with tweets like this next time.