Gulshan Grover denies taking Mukesh Chhabra’s name for blacklisting senior actors: ‘My comment was on larger picture’

“I never took anyone’s name. My comment was about an ageing person in any profession— be it journalism, sports or anywhere—where they find it difficult to get an opportunity to shine. This is the metaphor I drew from the character that was offered to me in the short film.

“My character is an ageing thief who’s not getting an opportunity to shine. That happens in acting, directing, sports everywhere, people who have been in the business for long but are not getting that opportunity to still show the talent,” Gulshan said.

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The actor said the world usually has a false notion that people with years of experience are not “edgy” anymore, which is what his short film–and his comment–is a reflection of. “My statement was in this context. There was no mention of Mukesh Chhabra. He’s a dear friend, he’s very encouraging to senior actors and everyone. I was commenting on a larger picture, not about any individual at all. This is no time for grievances, otherwise I would have held a press conference.

“A lot of people think the knowledge of senior people in any field is dated, where years of experience of being in the business is considered to be not an advantage. My comment was strictly on that, about my role having a larger meaning and metaphor,” he added.

(This story has been updated from the previous version)