Blame game

Manpriya Singh 

It’s been exactly two weeks since Sacred Games has been making a lot of noise; more of the right kind and, well, just some of the wrong. Given the phenomenal reception of the intriguing, exciting, web-series, Netflix India plans a take-off on a solid ground, but not before throwing open a few questions. 

For instance, how far can we go with freedom of expression in context of a fictional character? But what if fiction gives the illusion of reality?  But where does the buck stop for dialogues and innuendos? Not with actors, because, “actors can’t be held responsible for dialogues,” said the Delhi High Court as it is hearing the plea filed against Netflix and its web series for allegedly defaming former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in an episode.  The audience isn’t bothered about anything other than a good story, feels the director Vikramaditya Motwane and as for the rest. Let’s find out. 

Right to express

“If it’s a fictional character, giving an opinion about a political ideology or person, then everybody has the right to express their opinion. Ours is a free and democratic country, the viewer has a mind of his own to form an opinion,” feels TV actress Saumya Tandon of Bhabhiji Ghar Pe Hain fame. 

Meanwhile, to everyone’s surprise, what has received a huge round of applause is Rahul Gandhi’s stance that hints at letting things be! “A character on a fictional web series can't change the fact that his "father lived and died in the service of India." The gracious tweet received a ‘yayy’ from Anurag Kashyap and a nod of approval from Swara Bhasker!   

Fair & square 

Writers, producers and makers should be collectively responsible for the content and not the actors, but if an actor is someone who is an icon, then they should share the responsibility. Because they are no more just actors, they are trend-setters and people look up to them. It’s only fair they take onus of their statements. — Saumya Tandon, actress

Creative freedom

I completely agree that the actors are not liable for the dialogues. If at all, the producers should be held responsible for the content. I am all for freedom of expression. Democracy means full democracy and freedom of expression means complete freedom. I don’t believe in censorship and why should the state mechanism interfere with artists ? — GS Chani, Theatre Director, Film-maker  

Matter of choice

I think the buck itself should stop. Why should any dialogue, act or story be under scrutiny? We live in a democratic country and we all should have a right to make, follow, see, like and appreciate whatever we choose. Sacred Games is a great show, if it hurts anyone’s sentiments, just don’t watch it. — Sandiip Sikcand, Producer and Creative Director 

Tricky space

It’s a tricky space. I would agree that maybe as actors you are not responsible because you are speaking the dialogues that somebody else has written for you, but as an individualone should take responsibility. — Dipannita Sharma, Actress-model 

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