Priyanka Chopra clarifies on her comment on Sikkim

Gangtok

Priyanka Chopra clarified that calling Sikkim insurgency-prone was in context of her film Pahuna …, but she is apologetic about hurting the sentiments of the people of Sikkim.

Calling Sikkim “a peaceful, green state with peace-loving people”, Chopra said: “I know my statements have hurt the sentiments and pride of the people of Sikkim and for that I truly apologise.”

On Thursday, Priyanka came under attack for a statement she made in Toronto when she was discussing Pahuna: The Little Visitors, her Sikkimese production which premiered at Tiff.

She had  during interview ” Sikkim is a small state in the northeast of India which never had a film industry or anyone who made films from there. And this is the first film ever that’s come out of that region because it’s very troubled with insurgency and troubling situations.”

The remark was widely slammed, with some Twitter users calling her “politically illiterate”. Priyanka sent a written apology to the authorities in Sikkim, but they wanted another apology in more “clear-cut terms”.

Priyanka  said: “I have always taken pride as being someone who is informed about the world but this time, some of the statements made were incorrect and while I should have been better informed about certain facts, I take full responsibility for what I said.

“I understand now that our film was not the first Sikkimese film to be made, but our aim has always been to provide local talent, both actors and technicians, a global platform to shine. My team and I have had a wonderful experience working in the state and with the local cast and crew and are thankful to the support extended by the government of Sikkim.”