Entertainment
oi-Oneindia Staff
Manoj Bajpayee Faces Backlash Over Ghooskhor Pandat, Says ‘I Never Felt Afraid’
Actor Manoj Bajpayee has spoken about the controversy surrounding his upcoming Netflix project, Ghooskhor Pandat, directed by Neeraj Pandey.
Actor Manoj Bajpayee addressed the controversy surrounding Netflix’s “Ghooskhor Pandat,” where makers apologized and revised strategy after the Brahmin community’s backlash over the title, while Bajpayee stated he faced threats but felt unafraid.
The film’s title sparked outrage among sections of the Brahmin community, prompting criticism on social media. Bajpayee recently opened up about the backlash, the threats that followed, and how the team responded to the situation.
Ghooskhor Pandat, which stars Nushrratt Bharuccha, Saqib Saleem, Akshay Oberoi, and Divya Dutta, was announced during Netflix’s Next on Netflix 2026 showcase. However, soon after the announcement, the film’s title came under scrutiny.
Critics alleged that it disrespected Brahmin sentiments. Although the makers clarified that the film was not intended to target any caste or community, the controversy intensified, leading them to withdraw promotional material and reconsider their strategy.
Manoj Bajpayee Reacts to the Backlash
Speaking to PTI, Bajpayee said neither he nor the makers had anticipated such a strong reaction. He revealed that the team acted quickly and issued an apology within days of the controversy emerging.
According to Bajpayee, it is important for filmmakers to listen when audiences feel genuinely hurt or offended. He added that changing a title is not a major challenge for creative professionals, who can always find suitable alternatives.
“We didn’t expect it. But when it happened, in two days’ time we put out our apology. If anything is offending anyone with that much intensity, we as creative people are always there to mend our ways or correct ourselves,” he said.
Bajpayee Responds to Online Abuse and Threats
Bajpayee also revealed that he faced online abuse and threats while the controversy was unfolding. He claimed that some individuals even dragged his family into the debate. Despite this, the actor said he never allowed the situation to affect his daily life or make him feel fearful.
Reflecting on the social media backlash, Bajpayee said he felt sympathy rather than anger toward those criticising him. He suggested that many people are quick to form opinions without fully understanding the subject matter of a project.
“The film talks about something else. But I think people on social media today are impatient and eager to express opinions without knowing the full subject matter,” he said.
‘I Never Felt Afraid’
The actor further explained that he prefers not to engage in heated online arguments because such exchanges rarely lead to meaningful discussions. Instead, he chooses to focus on his work and stay away from unnecessary conflicts.
For now, the future of Ghooskhor Pandat remains under discussion, with the makers expected to move forward with revised plans following the controversy surrounding the title.
