Bigg backlash over Kamal’s ‘moral policing’

On the day of the second elimination in which voice trainer Ananth Vaidyanathan was voted out on the show, Kamal Haasan’s discussion with actor Ponnambalam that bordered on moral policing has caused several fans to question their star’s ideology. 

The issue began when Ponnambalam accused two young actresses on the show — Yaashika Anand and Aishwarya Dutta — of indulging in activities that were not suitable for family audiences watching the show. He went on to imply that their behaviour on the show was not in keeping with Tamil culture, and that it was up to performers such as themselves to propagate good values when they have an opportunity like the Bigg Boss show. 

The veteran stunt performer is understood to have been referring to the women flirting with other actors on the show, and their manner of dressing and speaking. In response, host Kamal vehemently supported his advocacy and said he himself was about to advice them. 

While some of the other contestants on the show like actress Mumtaz stood up to talk on behalf of the actresses (that it was their right to dress or behave as they wished), Kamal silenced them and added that such advice comes from a ‘fatherly’ or ‘grandfatherly’ sensibility from the men. 

The MNM president concluded saying he also speaks from a fatherly perspective, as he has two daughters. His statements have not gone well with fans, with some accusing him of subscribing to patriarchal ethics. 

“I registered to his party believing he had a progressive outlook towards culture and society, as opposed to other politicians. But if he is going to indulge in subtle moral policing like this, especially with people from his own industry, it doesn’t look good at all,” posted Aruna Iyer on Facebook. A Twitter user, Raghav, tweeted that Kamal looked to be playing to the gallery, which was a shame.