Mumbai: The recent release of the movie ‘Jigra’, featuring acclaimed actors Alia Bhatt and Vedant Raina, significantly underperformed at the box office during its opening weekend, leading to unexpected fallout. In the wake of this, Bijou ThaangJam, a noted Manipur-based actor, has found himself at the center of a controversy that has sparked widespread debate. ThaangJam, known for his roles in successful films like ‘Mary Kom’ and ‘Shivaay’, recently took to his X account to highlight instances of discrimination he allegedly faced during the film’s production, drawing intense backlash from ardent fans of Alia Bhatt.
Bijou ThaangJam’s tweets shed light on the deeply entrenched biases that he believes still pervade parts of the Bollywood industry. “The irony is truly remarkable,” he expressed. “I speak up about discrimination, and suddenly I’m met with a flood of racist and discriminatory remarks.” This situation has not only highlighted the challenging climate that actors from India’s northeastern regions reportedly navigate but has also brought to the forefront the pervasive issue of discrimination in Bollywood.
In his social media posts, Bijou ThaangJam referenced the cascade of negative reactions and mentioned, “Bravo, well done. It’s almost like your pea-sized brain can’t grasp the concept of equality. But hey, some things never change, right?” He continued by pointing out how people from the Northeast of India are often subjected to unfair treatment by some people in mainland India, underscoring the need to challenge these longstanding prejudices. “I’m as much, if not more, Indian than you’ll ever be,” he asserted, boldly addressing the naysayers, “but sure, keep living in that bubble.”
His sentiments were met with a myriad of reactions on social media platforms, with scores of Alia Bhatt’s fans taking particular exception to his comments. Many accused ThaangJam of seeking attention, while others resorted to derogatory comments, further highlighting the divisive nature of fan culture and its impact on public discourse. Undeterred, ThaangJam replied with another post, asking, “To the Alia Bhatt fans, get a life.
. Your comments show how small you are.”
Despite the barrage of criticism, ThaangJam conveyed gratitude for the support and solidarity he received from other quarters. He emphasized, “As an artist and actor, I have the utmost respect and gratitude for my fellow creatives. What I criticized was the flawed system, the hierarchy, and the terrible management.” His comments are a clarion call for introspection within an industry that is often accused of mistreatment and sidelining of minority groups.
“To all the die-hard Alia Bhatt fans, bhakhts, and fanatics, please do me a favor, get a life,” he wrote, arguing that the vitriol only serves to prove how insignificant such individuals are on a larger humanitarian scale. Reasserting the spirit of unity over division, he added, “A big thank you to those who’ve shown love and support- let’s not forget that we’re Indians, and it’s diversity we should be celebrating. Jai Hind.”
With a diverse career spanning multiple creative fields, including being an actor, chef, lyricist, art director, and entrepreneur, Bijou ThaangJam is no stranger to critical acclaim and public attention. Hailing from Imphal, Manipur, he gained prominence after being one of the top 50 contestants on Master Chef India in 2011. His recent film ‘Chili Chicken’, a Kannada language project, portrays the lives of five Northeastern boys working in a Chinese restaurant, delving into themes of mystery and tragedy that befall them—now available on OTT platforms.
ThaangJam’s rebuttal serves as a reminder of the ongoing battles against discrimination and the efforts individuals make to effect change within deeply rooted systems. The conversation on social media has amplified questions about the nature of equality within the Indian entertainment industry and society at large, echoing ThaangJam’s own call to celebrate diversity and equal opportunities for all.
This incident surrounding ‘Jigra’ and ThaangJam’s revelations have injected new life into the dialogue concerning how individuals from various regions of India are perceived and the systemic changes required to eradicate these biases in all facets of life.
