Renowned filmmaker Hansal Mehta recently shared his disheartening experience about a ‘massive star’ who declined multiple requests to meet his son Pallava, who has Down syndrome. This revelation came in light of a viral incident involving south Indian superstar Nagarjuna’s bodyguard, who was seen pushing a specially-abled fan at the Mumbai airport. The incident sparked widespread outrage on social media, prompting Hansal Mehta to share his own ordeal, shedding light on how celebrities handle interactions with their fans, especially those with special needs.
On June 24, 2024, Hansal Mehta took to the social media platform X to narrate his experience. He revealed that his son Pallava, a huge fan of the unnamed star, had hoped to meet him. Mehta had made several attempts to arrange this meeting through the star’s brother and close friends, emphasizing how much it would mean to Pallava. The filmmaker expressed his frustration and disappointment at the lack of response from the star or his associates. Mehta wrote, “When his eyes were operated, the first person he recognized in the newspaper was that star. But no. There was no response from the star or his friends. I gave up. Now, over the years, Pallav’s cognitive abilities have declined. And this will have no meaning even if it has to happen.”
Mehta’s heartfelt post struck a chord with many, highlighting the often overlooked aspect of fan-celebrity relationships, especially when it involves fans with special needs. It also brought to the fore the emotional toll such incidents take on families, particularly those who strive to create special memories for their loved ones in the face of significant challenges.
The spark for Mehta’s revelation was a viral video where Nagarjuna’s bodyguard was seen aggressively pushing away a specially-abled fan who worked at a restaurant outside the Mumbai airport. The fan had approached Nagarjuna for a selfie, only to be roughly handled by the actor’s security.
. The video generated a massive backlash on social media, with netizens expressing their anger and disappointment over the incident. The widespread condemnation led Nagarjuna to respond publicly on X, stating, “This just came to my notice … this shouldn’t have happened!! I apologize to the gentleman and will take necessary precautions that it will not happen in the future!!”
Hansal Mehta, known for his critically acclaimed films and series, has always been vocal about societal issues. His tweet regarding the incident and his personal experience with his son Pallava further solidified his stance on empathy and human decency. The filmmaker’s candid revelation serves as a poignant reminder of the impact public figures can have on their fans, particularly those who view them as inspirational figures.
On the professional front, Hansal Mehta continues to make strides in his career. He recently announced the third installment of his successful franchise ‘Scam,’ with the upcoming series titled Scam 2010. The new series will revolve around Subrata Roy, the founder of the Sahara group of businesses, who managed to build an empire spanning diverse sectors such as finance, real estate, media, and hospitality. Roy’s legal troubles culminated in his detention ordered by the Supreme Court of India in 2014, stemming from a dispute with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). This led to a prolonged legal battle and time spent in Tihar Jail, from which he was eventually released on parole. Subrata Roy passed away in November 2023, at the age of 74.
Commenting on the expansion of the ‘Scam’ franchise, Hansal Mehta said, “Scam is not just a franchise for me. It is a chronicling of our times. I’m thrilled to collaborate again with Applause and Sony LIV to bring this larger-than-life story alive.” The director’s enthusiasm for the project is evident, and his dedication to addressing significant historical and societal themes through his work continues to be his hallmark.
Mehta’s personal and professional revelations paint a picture of a man deeply committed to both his craft and his family. His story serves as a powerful call to action for empathy and respect, reminding us all of the profound impact kindness and understanding can have, especially on those facing life’s challenges.
