Deepika Padukone clueless about caste-based reservations

Dubai, Aug 7 : Deepika Padukone might be starring in 'Aarakshan' (Reservation), a film based on India's notorious caste system, but she has revealed that she had no idea about the issue before starring in it.

Directed by acclaimed director Prakash Jha, the movie tackles the sensitive subject of the reservation of seats and jobs based on people's social class as opposed to merit. 
"For many Indians, the reservation issue is a hard-hitting reality. But honestly, I didn't feel for the issue strongly, because I have never really experienced it in my own life," Gulf News quoted her as saying.

"And I truly feel that unless a person doesn't experience it for real, the importance and impact varies. But I have a learnt a lot about the issue during the filming. 

"I speak my mind and I speak honestly. I am not a celebrity who just makes controversial statements to sound interesting or to shock people. I can never do that," she added.

Case against Amitabh Bachchan for his dialogue in Aarakshan

Mega star Amitabh Bachchan landed in controversy for his dialogue in the film 'Aarakshan' to be released on August 12, in which he appeared to be raising a point against reservation saying he always believed in merit, not in reservation.

A senior advocate Abhishek Chaudhary filed complaint case against Mr Bachchan and producer of the film Prakash Jha in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Ramakant Yadav.

In his complaint case, Mr Chaudhary had alleged that Mr Bachchan had uttered a dialogue in the film which intended for satirical remark about reservation policy of the government.

''I believe in merit, not in reservation'', Mr Bachchan had uttered the dialogue in the film, said Mr Chaudhary and added that such remark had hurt the sentiment of those enjoying facilities through reservation policy of the government.

Big B borrows Prakash Jha's look for 'Aarakshan'

By Subhash K. Jha ,Mumbai, June 20 : For "Aarakshan" we first heard about Amitabh Bachchan borrowing the exact cut of Prakash Jha's beard and hair for his character. It now turns out the megastar borrowed not just his facial look but also the clothes to play the college professor.

"Nothing as drastic as that. But yes, Amitji did decide to model his character on me in every detail, including the clothes. I am quite flattered because I've never paid attention to what I wear or how I look. So if Amitji saw our hero's character in me, I must be doing something right," said Jha, who is delving into the reservation issue in the film.

Apparently, Big B even insisted on borrowing some accessories from Jha's wardrobe.

"It was really interesting when Mr. Bachchan, Prakashji and I were discussing his look when Mr. Bachchan looked at Prakashji, points to him and says, 'That's it. That's Prabhakar Anand.'," said dress designer Priyanka Mundada. 

Amitabh said: "We jointly agreed on that!"