RG Kar protest: Sujan Mukhopadhyay cancels show with Kanchan Mullick, says, it's heartbreaking

RG Kar protest: Sujan Mukhopadhyay cancels show with Kanchan Mullick, says, it's heartbreaking

Kanchan Mullick and Sujan Neel Mukherjee in a scene from Magan Rajar Pala

After a hiatus, actor Kanchan Mullick returned to the stage with theatre group Chetana’ play, Magan Rajar Pala in 2017. Directed by Sujan Neel Mukherjee, the play features just two characters – Kanchan as Magan and Sujan as Raja. After seven years, the director announced the end of the show soon after Kanchan’s controversial remark on the protesting junior doctors who have been on suspension of work after the heinous rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.

Kanchan Mullick’s controversial speech

On Sunday, on the dharna stage of the ruling party, Kanchan, also an MLA of the party, said, “Those people who are striking or speaking against the ruling party taking government salary, aren’t they? Will they take the Puja bonus? Will they refuse the bonus?” The comment triggered criticism. 

While talking to OTTplay, Sujan clarified that he does not support Kanchan’s comment and is disappointed as a friend. He said, “I am heartbroken. Kanchan’s contribution to this play is immense. But at this moment, it’s not possible to stage a play with him. I will not stage this play any more. I reached out to him and conveyed that the show (which was scheduled to take place in Siliguri in January) has been called off.”

Now just Sujan. A number of celebrities who have been Kanchan’s friends, criticised his comment. Actress Sudipta Chakraborty attacked Kanchan on social media and said that Kanchan was no longer her friend. Then Ritwick Chakraborty posted a sarcastic comment without naming anyone, but hinting at Kanchan’s ‘lack of courage’ to stand by what is right.

Riddhi Sen advised Kanchan to read the Indian Constitution. He thinks that before standing by the people, one should know their rights. He said, “You were never by people’s side, you were only by money’s side.” He attacked Kanchan by saying, “No one will return their salary or bonus for protesting. You'd rather go to some medical college and return your spine.” Riddhi thinks that without knowing the constitution, no one can do politics or even simping.

Actor Joyjit Banerjee is an old friend of Kanchan. He asked, “Does the MLA give the government workers their salary and bonus from his pocket?” He told Kanchan, “Their salary, like your salary, comes from the general tax.” He told Anandabazar Online, “I am shocked. They shred all their shame to become a party slave. There is a limit to sycophancy.” Director Joydeep Mukherjee also teased Kanchan in his Facebook post.

However, Kanchan did not want to comment anything about this controversy. About Sudipta’s post, Kanchan told Anandabazar Online, “What can I say? Sudipta said what she thought.” Regarding the others’ criticism, Kanchan said, “They express their personal opinions, just like I did.” 

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