Punjab MLA writes open letter to Bollywood after 'drug party' allegation

Akali Dal MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Friday (August 2) wrote an “open letter to Bollywood”, daring actors, who he alleged were having a “drug party”, to apologise to the nation for “breaking the trust”.

Sirsa was referring to a video posted by Karan Johar on Instagram that featured several actors including Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. He alleged that the Bollywood actors were at a “drug party” hosted by Karan.

“My open letter to Bollywood. Urging all to read and share, tagging Bollywood stars through Instagram and Twitter. We have #FanMoments with them; but now is the time for #QuestionMoment,” Sirsa tweeted.

In the letter, Sirsa stated he has been noticing cricket and Bollywood continue to bind the nation. “If Sachin Tendulkar is worshipped in our nation, there are millions of worshippers of stars like Rajinikanth as well. In a world of fan-boys and fan-girls, Bollywood stars continue to enjoy people’s unbound love and support on social media as well as on the national stage.”

“You are given the front row in national functions and events; you are treated like India’s unofficial ambassadors abroad and you are the trendsetter, in haircuts, hemlines and even when it comes to the naming of children! Does it sound fair on your part when you escape your accountability citing private life as an excuse to organise and then flaunt your drug party on Instagram?” he asked.

The MLA had earlier dubbed Karan’s party as ‘Udta Bollywood’. However, former Congress MP Milind Deora hit back at the MLA, saying his wife was also at the party and “nobody was in a drugged state”. Accusing the MLA of spreading lies, he asked Sirsa to apologise.

Reacting to Deora, Sirsa said that he felt an “unexplained anger” after watching the video. “Rather than asking me to apologise, I wish Bollywood stars had the guts to say sorry to the nation for breaking the trust,” he said.

Further, he questioned the stars as to why there was no food or drink glasses present if it was not a “drug party”. “If it wasn’t a powder­ impacted state, why did you all appear stoned and shamelessly out of your senses?” he asked.

Incidentally, Shahid Kapoor, who was present at the party, had acted in a movie, ‘Udta Punjab’ that highlighted the issue of drug problem in Punjab.