Ali Abbas Zafar and Tandav cast tender unconditional apology for unintentionally hurting sentiments

Director Ali Abbas Zafar and the cast of the Amazon Prime Video series Tandav have issued an unconditional apology for ''hurting Hindu sentiments'' unintentionally. The apology was issued after a controversy erupted over a scene in the series, which angered several viewers on social media, prompting calls for a boycott.

In light of the furore, Zafar issued a statement on Monday which read, "We have been closely monitoring viewer reactions to the web series ‘Tandav’ and today during a discussion, the ministry of information and broadcasting has informed us regarding a large number of grievances and petitions received on various facets of the web series with serious concerns and apprehensions regarding its content hurting the sentiments of the people."

The statement added, "The web series Tandav is a work of fiction and any resemblance to acts and persons and events is purely coincidental. The cast and crew did not have any intention to offend the sentiments of any individual, caste, community, race, religion or religious beliefs or insult or outrage any institution, political party or person, living or dead. The cast and crew of Tandav take cognizance of the concerns expressed by the people and unconditionally apologize if it has unintentionally hurt anybody’s sentiments."

The statement was shared by several members of the Tandav cast on their respective social media. 

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ram Kadam had lodged a complaint at the Ghatkopar police station against the makers of the series, while BJP MP Manoj Kotak sought a ban on Tandav, which he termed anti-Hindu, by the Union information & broadcasting ministry.

OTT Platforms having absolute freedom from censorship has led to repeated attacks on Hindu sentiments which I strongly condemn.spoke to hon.@PrakashJavdekar ji & requested that OTT content be regulated in the interest of integrity of India & we are fast moving in that direction.

— Manoj Kotak (@manoj_kotak) January 16, 2021