Actor-producer Prajakta Mali slams BJP MLA Dhas for 'derogatory' comments

Mumbai: Actor-producer Prajakta Mali has slammed BJP MLA Suresh Dhas for “derogatory and sarcastic” remarks against her in his attempt to target NCP minister Dhananjay Munde in the sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh murder case.

The 35-year-old Mali hosts Sony Marathi's comedy series Maharashtrachi Hasyajatra, in which popular actors and professional comedians perform skits on stage.

A trained dancer, she has acted in several Marathi films.

Mali also drew the attention of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the comments made by Dhas, a former minister, who is an MLA from Asthi and a political rival of Munde.

She said she would also meet Fadnavis, the state Home Minister, demanding that social media, portals and media be held accountable for maligning women.

“Dhas’ Saheb’s sarcastic comments made against me and some actresses are in bad taste and entirely baseless… the statements were derogatory in nature and unnecessarily drags the artists’ community,” Mali told a hurriedly-convened press conference.

“He is an elected representative and he should not speak like that,” she said demanding an apology from Dhas. She has also lodged a complaint with the Maharashtra State Commission for Women.

However, Dhas has refused to apologise.

Dhas had named Mali, actor Rashmika Mandanna and Sapna Choudhary and spoke about “Parli pattern” and “political event management”.

Mali said, for the last and half month she was quiet even though several clips and fake news were being circulated on social media based on a photograph at a cultural event in Parli.

"Women especially female actors shouldn't be a soft target," she said, adding that she went to Parli for cultural event for of an award function.

"Not just Parli, artists like me travel to several cities to entertain audiences. Why name women, haven't male actors attended programmes organised by politicians?' she said, adding, "We visit different cities. To entertain the audience is our job…we have photos with several politicians…is it proper to link them… It is not maligning women but also shows your own mindset”.

Referring to Munde's wife Karuna Munde's comments against her on social media, Mali said she sent a notice to her after which she stopped. "Karuna Munde... Don't speak without clarifying. Your information is wrong," she said.