Vivek Agnihotri Sparks Controversy with Remarks on John Abraham and Deepika Padukone
Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, known for his unfiltered opinions and bold narratives, has once again stirred headlines—this time by targeting Bollywood actor John Abraham and commenting on actress Deepika Padukone’s 2020 JNU visit. Agnihotri, who directed The Kashmir Files and often voices strong political and cultural opinions, did not hold back in his latest statements.
“John Abraham Doesn’t Deserve to Be Paid in Crores”
During a recent public interaction, Agnihotri criticized John Abraham for what he called “mediocre” acting skills. According to Agnihotri, actors in Bollywood are often overpaid without proving their merit through performance.
He specifically mentioned that John, despite being in the industry for over two decades, often struggles with delivering dialogues convincingly. “If you can’t even deliver five lines with impact, why are you being paid in crores?” he questioned.
The comment appears to be a direct dig at the industry’s tendency to favor looks and stardom over performance and depth. Agnihotri emphasized that filmmakers and audiences alike should reward talent and effort, not just a chiseled physique or action sequences.
On Deepika Padukone’s JNU Appearance: “She Was Unaware of the Politics”
Agnihotri also touched on the widely discussed incident from 2020, when Deepika Padukone visited the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in solidarity with protesting students. At the time, her appearance was hailed by some as courageous, and criticized by others as a publicity stunt ahead of her film release.
Vivek Agnihotri now claims that Deepika did not fully understand the political implications of her visit. “She was unaware of the depth of the issue. She was there because her PR team thought it would help her image,” he alleged.
He further argued that Bollywood celebrities often get involved in political matters without adequate context or understanding, which can unintentionally polarize public opinion or appear opportunistic.
Industry Divided, Netizens React
The filmmaker’s candid remarks have divided audiences. Some agree that Bollywood needs to move away from star culture and focus more on raw talent and storytelling. Others feel Agnihotri’s comments were unnecessarily harsh and dismissive of actors who have a strong fan base and box office appeal.
Supporters of John Abraham point out his performances in films like Madras Cafe, Batla House, and Parmanu, where he portrayed serious roles with restraint. Similarly, Deepika’s fans maintain that her visit to JNU was a personal decision and should be respected, regardless of political context.
The Larger Debate: Merit vs. Market
Agnihotri’s criticism taps into a broader conversation about Bollywood’s internal dynamics—star power versus substance, commercial success versus social responsibility, and the role of celebrities in shaping public discourse.
His words, though controversial, have ignited a much-needed debate about performance-based compensation, celebrity activism, and the evolving expectations from public figures in a digitally hyper-aware age.
Final Thoughts
Vivek Agnihotri’s statements have once again spotlighted uncomfortable but important issues in the entertainment industry. Whether one agrees with him or not, his critique challenges audiences to think critically about who we admire, why we admire them, and what we truly expect from cinema in an age of growing awareness.