'Padmaavat' row: Celebs express anger against violent protests

Mumbai: Film and Television actors and cricketers on Thursday condemned the ongoing violent protests across the country, in the wake of violent protests across the country against release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama 'Padmaavat' , including yesterday's attack on the school bus in Gurugram.Director and actor Farhan Akhtar in his strong words condemned the attack on the school bus by the anti-Padmaavat protestors saying that those who have done this were ''terrorists''.

"Attacking a school bus is not an agitation. It is terrorism. The people who did it are terrorists. Please refer to them as such," Farhan said in a tweet.'Anaarkali of Aarah' fame actress Swara Bhaskar also came in support of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's statement regarding the attack on school bus in Gurugram by the anti-Padmaavat protestors by appreciating his words that he expressed for the children."Kudos to @ArvindKejriwal for saying it like it is !!!!! Can our other SO called leaders in the govt. and opposition shows some spine too???" Swara said in a tweet.

Producer and actor Raghu Ram criticised the violent protests by the anti-Padmaavat agitators and condemned states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat where the Multiplex Association of India said its members would not screen the period drama, saying when next time elect a government who won't bow down to goons.

"Hey Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh! Next time, elect a govt who won’t bow down to goons, but will be competent enough to protect your rights against “fringe” idiots who somehow bully them and slap them around," Raghu Ram said in a tweet.Indian cricketer Sir Ravindra Jadeja also expressed his pain for the attack on school bus and said the attack on kids shows how much the Karni Sena protesters care for the dignity of a woman.

"So You're Attacking Kids To Prove How Much You Care For The Dignity Of A Woman? Wow! Rani #Padmavati Would Be So Proud Of You, #KarniSena Goons," Jadeja said in a tweet.Television actress Kritika Kamra expressed her annoyance and said the Karni Sena is a joke."#KarniSena , you’re a joke. Do yourselves a favour and go watch the film. And dear women who threatened to commit #jauhar , Seriously?! You’d kill yourself for a film?!! So much for the climax of #Padmaavat!" Kritika said in a tweet.

'Ye Hai Mohabbatein' fame TV actress Divyanka T Dahiya also supported 'Padmaavat' and condemned politicisation of art and hampering of creativity."I support #Padmaavat and condemn politicisation of art and hampering of creativity.World is developing at bullet speed and this is where we are stuck! Violence is wrong. No argument can make it right! I wish all vandals put the same amount of energy in their work and education," Divyanka said in a tweet.Known for his role as 'Mikesh' in the popular web series 'Permanent Roommates', actor and writer Sumeet Vyas said Karni Sena goons are bigger issues in this country than 'Padmaavat'"#Bravo That indeed is the bravest thing they’ve done... Dumb saviours of History, destroyers of future... Get a job #KarniSenagoons There are bigger issues in this country than #Padmaavat," Sumeet said in a tweet.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama 'Padmaavat' released worldwide on Thursday even as violent protests have put a question mark on the film's release in many North Indian states.Though trade sources said the film opened to a good response across the country, screenings in theatres are being held under tight security following threats of disruption by the Karni Sena.Despite assurances by the makers of the film that 'Padmaavat' will maintain the honour and dignity of Queen Padmavati, the Karni sena continues to carry out protests against its screening. (UNI)