Bengali actor and three-time Lok Sabha member Deepak Adhikari, known as Dev, extended congratulations to the BJP for winning the mandate in Bengal. Dev urged the new government to prioritize progress, peace, and development in the state, emphasizing the importance of listening to the people’s voices. He also called for unity and artistic freedom in the Bengali film industry, highlighting the need for mutual respect and collective progress.
Dev did not specify the timeframe when mentioning the challenges within the Bengali film industry. Notably, his film “Projapati,” released in December 2022, faced controversy as it was not screened at Nandan, a state-run cultural complex in Kolkata, despite other films being shown. This incident sparked political discussions, especially due to his co-star Mithun Chakraborty’s association with the BJP.
The exclusion of “Projapati” from Nandan was perceived as politically motivated, with the BJP alleging that films featuring Mithun Chakraborty were denied screenings due to his political affiliation. This move was criticized by BJP leaders as an infringement on artistic and audience freedom. Meanwhile, some Trinamool Congress members also expressed discomfort over the situation, highlighting underlying tensions.
Despite uncertainties about his political future, Dev contested the Lok Sabha elections again from the Ghatal constituency. He has been a vocal advocate for the Ghatal Master Plan, a flood management project crucial for the region’s development. Dev emphasized the importance of completing this project for the well-being and future prospects of the people in Ghatal, seeking support from the new government.
