Abhijeet Bhattacharya Under Netizen & Activists Scrutiny Over 'Father of Pakistan' Remark on Mahatma Gandhi

A Pune-based activist has filed a formal request to the Pune Police, urging them to file an FIR against popular singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya over his alleged derogatory remarks about Mahatma Gandhi. The complaint, which was submitted on Wednesday, claims that Bhattacharya insulted the iconic freedom fighter by calling him “the father of the nation of Pakistan” rather than India.

According to the activist, Bhattacharya’s statement was “foolish” and showed his deep disdain for Gandhi. The activist further accused the singer of defaming the Mahatma and sowing division in society. The complaint, filed by the activist’s lawyer, was submitted to the Deccan-Gymkhana police station. However, a police official confirmed that they had not yet received the complaint as of now.

The singer stirred the controversy earlier this month when he remarked that music composer RD Burman was a greater figure than Mahatma Gandhi. “Music composer RD Burman was bigger than Mahatma Gandhi. Like Mahatma Gandhi was the father of the nation, RD Burman was the father of the nation in the world of music,” Bhattacharya was quoted as saying by Free Press Journal.

Mahatma Gandhi was the father of the nation for Pakistan and not India. India already existed; Pakistan was carved out of India later. Gandhi has been mistakenly called the father of the nation for India. He was the one responsible for the existence of Pakistan.

- Abhijeet Bhattacharya

Abhijeet Bhattacharya is well-known for his hit songs in Bollywood, including tracks like Biwi No. 1, Main Khiladi, Chunnari Chunnari, Baadshah O Baadshah, and Dhoom Taana. Recently, Bhattacharya was also in the headlines after singer Dua Lipa failed to credit him during her performance of the ‘Levitating x Woh Ladki Jo’ remix at her Mumbai concert.

As of now, the controversy surrounding his remarks has led to widespread debate and calls for legal action from fans and social activists.