Actor Rahul Solapurkar Faces Backlash Over Remarks on Ambedkar and Shivaji Maharaj
The Marathi actor apologized after comments linking Ambedkar to Brahmin identity and claiming Shivaji bribed Mughal officials caused widespread criticism.
- Rahul Solapurkar described Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as a 'Brahmin' in the Vedic sense due to his acquisition of knowledge, prompting significant public and political backlash.
- The actor apologized for his remarks, stating he never intended to disrespect national icons and vowed to avoid making similar statements in the future.
- Solapurkar also faced criticism for claiming that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj escaped Agra Fort in 1666 by bribing Mughal officials, contradicting the popular account of the escape in a sweet basket.
- Protests erupted outside Solapurkar's residence, leading to increased police security and a formal complaint being filed, with authorities reviewing the legal implications.
- In response to the controversies, Solapurkar resigned as a trustee of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in Pune and expressed regret for his choice of words.
Free Press Journal 
Hindustan Times 
