Bollywood Blunder? Janhvi Kapoor & Sidharth Malhotra's 'Param Sundari' Faces Backlash Over Controversial Church Scene

Bollywood finds itself embroiled in another religious controversy, this time involving a scene from what's being described as Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra's rendition or performance related to the popular track 'Param Sundari'. The segment, reportedly filmed within a church setting, has drawn sharp criticism from a prominent Christian organization, which is now vehemently demanding its complete removal.

The contentious scene, said to feature 'flirty' or romantic interactions between the lead actors against a sacred backdrop, has been labeled as deeply offensive by the Catholic Secular Forum (CSF).

Joseph Dias, the general secretary of the CSF, expressed profound dismay over the depiction, stating that it trivializes the sanctity of a place of worship and hurts the religious sentiments of the Christian community.

According to Dias, the group views the scene as an unwarranted intrusion into sacred spaces, particularly given the playful or romantic nature of the interactions depicted.

He emphasized that churches, temples, mosques, and gurudwaras are revered sites for devotees and should not be used as mere backdrops for lighthearted or romantic sequences that could be perceived as disrespectful.

The CSF has reportedly appealed to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and other relevant authorities, urging them to intervene and ensure the controversial portion is edited out before the film or song's wider release.

Their demand is rooted in the principle that creative freedom should not come at the cost of religious reverence and community sentiments.

This incident is not an isolated one, as Bollywood has frequently faced backlash over portrayals of religious figures, symbols, or places. The industry often grapples with the delicate balance between artistic expression and respecting diverse cultural and religious sensitivities.

The call for removal highlights the ongoing scrutiny films and their content face in India, particularly when they touch upon religious themes.

As the controversy gains traction, eyes are now on the filmmakers and the CBFC to see how they respond to the escalating demands. The decision made regarding this 'Param Sundari' scene could set a precedent for future cinematic portrayals involving religious sites, underscoring the importance of cultural sensitivity in storytelling.