‘We have a right to our views’

Actor Priyanka Chopra believes that everyone living in a democracy is entitled to his or her opinion, but says that in the last few years people in India have been “bashed” for expressing their views.

When asked about the criticism actors Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan have faced for expressing their views on ‘intolerance’ recently, Priyanka said, “It is not just about this. I think everyone has an opinion about it. We are supposed to be the greatest democracy in the world. There have been many incidents that have happened in the last few years where people have been bashed for giving their opinions. Everybody has an opinion. We are in a democracy. Our forefathers fought for freedom of speech and being Indian,” added the actor.

Recently, Aamir joined the debate against ‘growing intolerance’ in India, saying, he has been “alarmed” by a number of incidents and his wife Kiran Rao even suggested that they should probably leave the country. Earlier this month, on his 50th birthday, Shah Rukh had said that there was “extreme intolerance” in the country which sparked a heated debate on the social media.

Priyanka was at a promotional event for her film Bajirao Mastani in Mumbai. The film, which is set to release on December 18, also stars actors Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles. The 33-yearold who plays the role of Kashibai in the film, left for Montreal to resume shooting for her American TV show Quantico.

We live in a democracy. Our forefathers fought for freedom of speech and being Indian

Priyanka Chopra, actor

PHOTO: J.B. LACROIX/WIREIMAGE