Hansal Mehta criticises ad featuring Rishabh Pant, demands it be removed. Read here

Critically acclaimed director Hansal Mehta criticised the latest Dream 11 commercial, featuring cricketer Rishabh Pant. In the commercial, Rishabh is attempting to try classical singing while making fun of the genre.

In the commercial, Rishabh Pant is shown pondering about future career options other than cricket. The next scene features Rishabh in a made-up situation where he is a classical vocalist. But when he's in front of the microphones, he adopts the wicket keeper position and performs a terrible song.

The advertisement attracts lots of attention. While many people took it lightly, others found it offensive.

Well-known director Hansal Mehta also expressed his disgust over the commercial. Taking to Twitter, Mehta wrote, "This is a disgusting and disrespectful commercial. Pimp yourself but not at the cost of ridiculing art and its rich traditions. I demand that @Dream11 pulls this down."

His tweet attracted lots of mixed reactions. On the one hand, many people agreed with him, while on the other hand, many people think that pulling down the advertisement is too much.


Replying to Hansal’s tweet, author Munish Bharadwaj wrote, "It’s in bad taste. Sure. Agreed. But why pull it down? IMO, Freedom of expression should be absolute as long as it’s not inciting violence or harm to anyone. Also, art and its rich traditions will remain intact forever but silly ads like these will be forgotten in seconds."

Hansal replied, "Sure Munish. You have every right to think so. I’m offended and I have a right to say so. Same FoS."

"And yes, maybe asking for it to be pulled down might be too much to ask. It’s a way of telling advertisers to be sensitive and respectful - particularly of one tradition that, like sports, transcends race/religion/borders and is one of the greatest unifiers. Do not ridicule it," he added.

Munish afterwards agreed with him.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta is renowned for producing highly praised movies like Shahid and Aligarh, among others. Moreover, he produced the popular film 'Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story'. He is currently working on an unnamed thriller movie starring Kareena Kapoor.

FAQs

What is Dream11?
The Dream11 app is a well-known fantasy sports platform that enables people from all over the country to play fantasy cricket, football, kabaddi, and basketball games.

What is the age of Hansal Mehta?
He is currently 54 years old.