Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has landed himself in a spot of bother for asking a historically relevant question about ancient Hindu text, Manusmriti, to a contestant on his quiz show, Kaun Banega Crorepati. According to media reports, an FIR has been filed against him in Lucknow. The development came just days after many felt that he had caused heartburn to Arnab Goswami of Republic TV by asking questions on Bigg Boss host Salman Khan and Deepika Padukone.
What triggered a strong backlash on social media was Bachchan’s decision to ask his special guest, social activist Bezwada Wilson, a question about Manusmriti. The question for Rs. 6.40 lakh read, “On 25 December 1927, Dr BR Ambedkar and his followers burned copies of which scripture?” The options were Vishnu Purana, Bhagwad Gita, Rigveda and Manusmriti.
Wilson, who was accompanied by actor Anup Soni, correctly answered in favour of Manusmriti, prompting Bachchan to say, “In 1927, Dr. Ambedkar condemned the classic Hindu text Manusmriti for ideologically discriminating caste system and untouchability. He also burned its copies.”
Wilson replied, “We are here today because of him. Not just we, the entire world. He (Dr. Ambedkar) taught us about goodwill and equality.” The guest, however, said that he will get arrested if he repeated the same act today.
While Hindu fanatics took to Twitter to attack Bachchan, the KBC host found plenty of support from neutrals, who detected a glaring irony in the criticism. One wrote, “92 yrs ago, Indian Constitution’s father, BR Ambedkar publicly burned a religious script called ‘Manusmriti‘ while condemning it because the book propagated caste +/ gender discrimination and violence. Today they registered an FIR against KBC & Bacchan for asking this question.”
Another commented, “Q : On Dec 25th 1927, Dr Ambedkar and his supporters burnt which religious text? Ans : Manusmriti. For this factual question, KBC show now becomes the new target of right-wing Hindu trolls, and they claim that the show insulted Hinduism. #NewIndia”
92 yrs ago, Indian Constitution’s father, BR Ambedkar publicly burned a religious script called ‘Manusmriti’ while condemning it because the book propagated caste +/ gender discrimination and violence.
Today they registered an FIR against KBC & Bacchan for asking this question. pic.twitter.com/6LcQGYsLWI
— Balram Vishwakarma ? (@Balram1801) November 2, 2020
Q : On Dec 25th 1927, Dr Ambedkar and his supporters burnt which religious text?
Ans : Manusmriti.
For this factual question, KBC show now becomes the new target of right-wing Hindu trolls, and they claim that the show insulted Hinduism. #NewIndia pic.twitter.com/4Evqyb8dh3
— Advaid അദ്വൈത് (@Advaidism) November 1, 2020
Bhakts who were shouting Freedom of Speech during France Incident
Now supports FIR against KBC for a question on Manusmriti.
Hypocrisy much.
RT coz no-one will tell.
— Md saba Uddin (@Md_Saba_uddin78) November 2, 2020
Few days back Sanghis were supporting publication of derogatory cartoons of prophet in the name of FoE.
Now Sanghis are outraging against KBC bcz Bacchan asked *Historical* question about Manusmriti.
— Md Asif Khan (@imMAK02) November 2, 2020
Bachchan was recently in the news after he asked questions about Salman Khan and Deepika Padukone, two Bollywood actors finding themselves at the centre of incessant attack from Republic TV founder Arnab Goswami in connection with the death of Sushant Singh Rajput. Many had felt that Bachchan’s decision to include Salman and Deepika as part of his quiz show had caused plenty of heartburn to Goswami.