PRIYANKA CHOPRA TROLLED ON TWITTER AFTER COMMENT ON SIKKIM , CALLS SIKKIM AS INSURGENCY AFFECTED STATE

Controversies are not new for global star Priyanka Chopra. The actress has found herself in a new soup lately after she ended up calling Sikkim an insurgency affected state on international television.

In an interview with ET Canada at the Toronto International Film Festival, while promoting her Sikkimese film, Pahuna, PeeCee had said, “Sikkim is a small state in the North-east of India, which never had a film industry or anyone who made films from the region. This is the first film ever that’s come out of that region because it’s very troubled with insurgency and troubling situations. This film is based on the story of two kids who get separated from their parents while fleeing the Maoist agitation from Nepal to Sikkim. The entire cast and many of the technicians are from Sikkim. It is a take on the refugee crisis from the eye of two kids.”

Of course, Twitter didn’t forgive her for this mistake. They trolled Priyanka for her statement. here are some tweets.

Sikkim is one of the most peaceful states, dear Priyanka. We don't have any insurgency here. Plz comment responsibly.@priyankachopra

— Santosh Subba (@sonupondhak) September 13, 2017

https://twitter.com/ydbhutia/status/908175064813551616

Twitter users also pointed it out to Priyanka that Pahuna was not the first film to come out Sikkim.

Agree. But that needs to be showcased and advertised in a proper manner. Priyanka's statement shows lack of awareness about Sikkim.

— Ravi Prasad (@prasadravi1) September 13, 2017

OMG ~ That's so SAD ~ Probably the reel life #MaryKom mistook #Sikkim for #Manipur ---

— Karma 覚 (@iambhutia) September 13, 2017

https://twitter.com/sunitacr/status/907871019368570882

While the number of films from Sikkim is hardly anywhere near other big film industries in India, there has been a considerable amount of good cinema that has stemmed from the state. It is home to gems like Katha and Acharya. Priyanka's production Pahuna is not the 'first ever' film to come out of the state.

Check out  Priyanka Chopra's interview with ET Canada

After she got trolled on social media, Priyanka Chopra tendered an apology to the Sikkim government, while her mother Madhu Chopra spoke to Ugen Gyatso, the tourism minister of Sikkim to apologise for the comment.

"Her mother spoke to me over the phone and has apologised for the comment," Ugen Gyatso, the tourism minister of Sikkim, told India Today TV. Condemning the statement by Priyanka, Gyatso had sought an apology from the actor.

Priyanka's apology, a copy of which Sikkim Chronicle has got, reads:

"I'm sorry I have to write to you under these circumstances.. but I needed to clarify my stance in regards to the situation which has arisen due to a comment of mine during an interview for my film Pahuna, which was misunderstood.

As you are aware, I hold the Government and the people of Sikkim in high regard and have in addition to Pahuna been looking to tell more great stories from Sikkim.

From the moment I heard the script of Pahuna, I knew I wanted to share this story with the world. It is important to me because no one else was willing to take a chance on a film like this, that deals with the refugee crises which is an issue that is being dealt with across the world as it is being in Sikkim. Pahuna is a film that brings a message of hope and positivity.

My comment, made during an interview at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival 2017, where Pahuna made its worldwide debut, was misconstrued. I was talking about the Sikkimese film industry and also the subject of the film, where I mentioned how Sikkim was grappling with the refugee situation caused by insurgencies. I had meant by the 'neighbouring countries'... I am fully aware that Sikkim is an incredible host nation (sic) to so many refugees and our film shows exactly that through the children's point of view...

I understand that the statement I made in the interview was open to interpretation. I should have been clearer with my intention. We've made a beautiful film that would not have been possible without the support of the government and people of Sikkim. In no way did I intend to offend or hurt anyone's sentiments and for that I apologize.

I appreciate all the support you have shown me and my team and I wanted to clear the misunderstanding with you directly."

Chopra has been involved in several controversies that have resulted in her getting trolled on social media — from being accused of disrespecting Indian flag to being trolled for exposing her legs in front of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Let's see how much time this one takes to fizzle out.