Bijou ThaangJam, a Manipuri actor, called out the makers ofJigra after the casting team’s ‘unprofessional behaviour’. He raised his voice against North Eastern actors being discriminated in the Hindi film industry.
Bijou slams disrespectful behaviour
In an exclusive interview withZoom, Bijou said that Jigra was his second time experience with Dharma Productions. The actor opted out ofKapoor & Sons (2016) as he was offered a disrespectful and stereotypical character of a Nepali housekeeper who was mocked for being dumb.
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Sharing the incident, Bijou told us, “This is my second time with Dharma Productions and again with Alia Bhatt. I don't hold any grudges against them. It was for Kapoor & Sons. I was called by the casting team. The casting director gave me hope that I was on board. You see, the meherbani word comes out. They said you are sharing the screen space with Alia Bhatt, you need to come looking like a rock star, it’s going to be amazing for you etc. When I went deeper, I got to know it was a very derogatory and stereotyped character. The role was of a Nepali guy who takes care of Alia Bhatt’s house. They make fun of him for being a little dumb. I was told something else and when I got the script, it was of a Nepali housekeeper. I got so offended because I got dressed properly and nicely groomed. When they told me the script, I got offended and refused it. I didn’t want to audition for something so stereotypical.”
Bijou takes stand against discrimination
He added, “It doesn't matter what production house it is. Where there is no respect for people of any community, I don't want to work with them or I don't want to associate with them.”
Karan Johar and Vasan Bala are yet to address Bijou’s grievances regarding Jigra’s casting controversy.