Deepika Padukone’s fans have been trending #NotMyDeepika hashtag on Twitter following reports that she is likely to sign up for a film with director Luv Ranjan, who was accused of MeToo last year. Ranbir Kapoor, Ajay Devgan and Nusrat Barucha are also said to star in the lead, though no official announcement has been made.
Deepika and Ranbir were seen leaving the director’s house last week. Soon after this, reports suggested that they will act in Luv Ranjan’s next film along with Ajay and Nusrat, both of whom have worked with the director before.
Twitter was flooded with messages to Deepika, who has been a supporter of the movement, from fans who asked her not to work with the director.
Being her fan for so many years, i’ve constantly seen her live upto her words.She’s not said one thing & done another or gone back on her words.I really really hope it remains the same.@deepikapadukone Pls don’t ruin the reputation & trust that took years to built. #notmydeepika
— Sanaya (@shahsanaya11) July 20, 2019
#notmydeepika When you work with an abuser, you not only nullify the attempts of the survivors to finally achieve some justice, you also stain your own legacy as well. You'll lose respect and credentials as an artist @deepikapadukone Don't do this.
— Celeste (@RisenyetAgain) July 20, 2019
She has given me a lot of inspiration and strength in my life.
I really admire you @deepikapadukone ,but I empathize with the victims and this is not right #Notmydeepika— 𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑒 🎠🌻✨ (@deni_sunflower) July 20, 2019
Why would u even go to discuss a script with that man? #notmydeepika
— Lifathon! (@Reachout786) July 22, 2019
Ranbir Kapoor, Ajay Devgan and Nusrat Barucha were not asked these questions. Nusrat had strongly defended Luv Ranjan when he was accused during MeToo last year, saying that there was a different motive behind the allegation. When Ajay Devgan was criticised for working with rape accused Alok Nath in De De Pyaar De, he had clarified that shoot for Alok Nath’s portions were completed before the allegation and that he was a supporter of the movement.
In October last year, an actress had anonymously alleged that she was sexually harassed by Luv Ranjan while auditioning for his 2011 film Pyaar Ka Punchnama. The director later denied the allegation and issued an apology.
https://twitter.com/desijourno/status/1051729653780467713?s=20
Luv Ranjan is among the several Bollywood celebrities to be named in MeToo. His production house had announced last year that Ranbir and Ajay Devgan will star in his upcoming film. Deepika is believed to have recently come on board.
Both Deepika and Ranveer have not responded to the tweets, or confirmed their part in the film.
Deepika recently wrapped up Chappaak directed by Meghna Gulzaar, and is busy with shoot for Kabir Khan’s 83 starring Ranveer Singh in the lead.