Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has recently expressed his support for comedian Kunal Kamra, who found himself at the center of controversy due to his comments regarding Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. In a recent interview with the Indian Express, Mehta reflected on an incident from 25 years ago when he faced an attack from the Shiv Sena, sharing how the public humiliation led him to seek solace in alcohol.

Hansal Mehta recalls finding comfort in alcohol

Hansal shared his experience of seeking refuge in alcohol following a traumatic event, stating, “Today, we recognize these issues as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), and there is significantly more awareness surrounding them. However, at that time, alcohol was the only remedy I was familiar with. I was in a very vulnerable state. Not only had my film flopped, but just four weeks later, while grappling with financial setbacks, individuals stormed into my office and vandalized it. They blackened my face and demanded that I return the next day to apologize, intending to create a larger public spectacle.”

He continued, “I was compelled to apologize in front of an audience of 10,000. Yet, the apology itself was not my primary concern. I eventually came to understand that those who undermine your dignity and freedom are not confined to any specific ideology or political group. They are, regrettably, driven by a thirst for power; they are nameless and faceless cowards. It took me time to realize that I was not the coward—I was the target of cowardice. Once I grasped that, I discovered my voice.”

Hansal Mehta made his entry into Bollywood in 2000 with the film Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar, featuring Manoj Bajpayee, Tabu, and Saurabh Shukla. A particular line from the movie offended some individuals, resulting in a backlash against the director. His office was attacked by the political party Shiv Sena, his face was blackened, and he was coerced into issuing an apology.

Hansal Mehta’s upcoming work

The director is currently engaged in his forthcoming series, Scam 2010 – The Subrata Roy Saga. This third installment of the Scam series will center on Subrata Roy and is inspired by the book Sahara: The Untold Story. In discussing the project, Hansal Mehta remarked, “For me, Scam transcends being merely a franchise; it represents a documentation of our era. I am excited to partner once more with Applause and Sony LIV to bring this extraordinary narrative to life.”

Read Also: Salman Khan Commends Rashmika Mandanna: Success Requires Effort

"Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!"