Jignesh Mevani, the MLA of Vadgam constituency in Gujarat who was in Chennai for The Hindu- Lit For Life festival early this month, had met filmmaker Pa Ranjith and celebrated Pongal with him. It is now reported that the 37-year-old politician has a cameo role in the Kaala director’s next film.
Confirming that he has offered a role to Mevani, the filmmaker told The Indian Express the offer was made when they met recently.
“I met him (Mevani) on Pongal (January 14) when he was visiting Chennai. I will be offering him a cameo role in my next movie as it was wonderful meeting a young leader like him. We spoke about various issues, including Dalit rights and the ongoing movement,” he told the publication.
Mevani had confirmed the same, expressing his excitement over the offer. “I brought up the topic and even Ranjith approved it. I was honoured to celebrate Pongal with the director. He is one of the most humble persons I have known,” he told the daily.
The two had an unexpected meeting recently, where they even praised each other and shared a photo on social media.
An unexpected lovely moment.Meeting with Comrade @jigneshmevani80.Thanks for coming all the way home.All the best for your work & my solidarity.Keep doing what you are doing.Much respect. pic.twitter.com/YLc5r5lPff
— pa.ranjith (@beemji) January 14, 2018
With P. Ranjith, director of super duper hit film ‘Kabali’. It was wonderful meeting him. Such a lovely person he is.Enjoyed Pongal with him pic.twitter.com/ZjRbKoRi9j
— Jignesh Mevani (@jigneshmevani80) January 14, 2018
Mevani, who hails from Gujarat, has been vocal about caste atrocities and Dalit identities in the country. He has led the protests in Una, Gujarat in 2016.
Ranjith has, as an artist, used his voice in support of Dalits and caste politics, having even contributed to forming a collective a few weeks ago known as the Casteless Collective. His upcoming film Kaala stars Rajinikanth, Huma Qureshi, Nana Patekar, Samuthirakani, Anjali Patil, and others. The drama, much like Kabali, revolves around Rajinikanth’s character, who runs away from Tirunelveli to Mumbai and becomes a powerful don living in the slums of Dharavi.
