Actress Kajol offered an apology after her remarks that political leaders today “do not have an educational system background” generated controversy on social media, explaining that she was merely emphasising the value of education.
The actor, known for 1990s blockbusters like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Karan Arjun, and Gupt, wrote a brief remark on Twitter and clarified that her opinions were not meant to belittle any politicians.
“I was just trying to emphasise the value of education. I didn’t want to disparage any political figures; we have some excellent leaders leading the nation in the correct direction,” Kajol tweeted on Saturday night.
The actor was recently questioned in an interview with an online media outlet if it is unfortunate that despite significant progress made in the nation, some notions still keep women behind.
“Change is slow, especially in a place like India. We are deeply ingrained in our traditions and ways of thinking, and it is related to schooling, therefore it moves very, very slowly. Political leaders in your country lack a background in the educational system.”
“I’m sorry, but I had to say that out loud. The 48-year-old performer made the statement to The Quint during the promotion for her new series The Trial – Pyaar, Kanoon, Dhokha. “I’m being ruled by leaders, so many of them, who do not have that viewpoint, which I think education does give you, at least the chance to look out for a different viewpoint,” she said.
As soon as the interview’s video clip went viral on last Saturday, #Kajol began to trend on social media, with some users denouncing the actor for her remarks.
“@itsKajolD A school dropout is giving lecture on education and uneducated politicians. First at last complete your school then do blah blah #Kajol,” said a user, referring to the actor quitting her school for a career in films.
A tweet read that actors must stick to doing movies as “politics/ govt/ administration etc is not their cup of tea (sic).”
Priyanka Chaturvedi, a Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasheb Thackeray MP, countered that Kajol has a right to her viewpoint.
“So Kajol claims that our leaders lack vision and are uninformed. Since it is only her opinion and not necessarily a statement of fact, no one is angry, yet all Bhakts are. Don’t Yale your entire political science education,” Chaturvedi said in a tweet.