What it means to mock potholes of Mumbai
Radio Jockey Malishka Mendonsa, popularly known as RJ Malishka, has been at the centre of a storm involving the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) after for her parody video on Mumbai’s potholes vent viral. In hindsight, she told Free Press
Journal, she would not have made the video if she knew there would be widespread criticism, even threats.
“If I knew this would happen, I would not have made the video. But even if they target me, I have not committed a crime to be scared of the BMC,” RJ Malishka said.
Over a fortnight ago, Malishka
and her team released a parody video titled Mumbai Tuza Mazyavar
Bharosa Nai Kai — Pothole Mix’, mocking the civic body for its ill-preparedness ahead of the monsoon. The video soon went viral inviting the BMC and the Shiv Sena’s ire.
Talking about the motive behind the video Malishka says that her intention was to entertain with a purpose. “The aim of the video was to highlight the issues of Mumbai. Every year, we have problems during rains and we talk about the woes of the citizens. We call the BMC every day and it is the core mission of our radio channel,” said Malishka, adding that her intention was not to shame them. “Maybe the way the masses reacted was what irked the BMC.” She said.
Following the video's popularity, the BMC slapped Malishka with a notice, blaming her for breeding a disease-bearing breed of mosquito. The BMC even announced a cash reward for anyone reporting construction violations at her home.