India (Commonwealth)_The recent poster of Gandii Baat Season 6 has found itself at the center of a heated controversy, leading to discussions about artistic representation, cultural sensitivity, and the portrayal of religious symbols in the media. Once again, Ekta Kapoor, known for her involvement in controversial content, seems to have landed in trouble. The web series, available on ALT Balaji, has faced demands for a ban following allegations that the poster mocks Goddess Lakshmi.
OTT platforms have been known to explore controversial and delicate subjects, pushing the boundaries of storylines and themes. Gandii Baat, a prime example of such content, delves into sensuality within rural India. However, the divisive poster for the show’s sixth season has faced criticism from Twitter users.
The thumbnail in question depicts a woman dressed in vibrant Indian attire, striking a shushing pose, with a lotus positioned near her waist and two peacocks on either side. Some netizens have drawn attention to the striking resemblance to Goddess Lakshmi, who is traditionally portrayed seated on a lotus.
This perceived resemblance to the revered deity has triggered a backlash, with some accusing the show’s creators of disrespecting and mocking Goddess Lakshmi through the imagery used. The controversy surrounding the poster has sparked a passionate debate about artistic expression, cultural sensitivity, and the depiction of religious symbols in the media.
One Twitter user expressed their objection, saying, “ALT Balaji, owned by Ekta Kapoor, bears the name Balaji itself. However, its content is entirely different. It serves soft porn, and now they have created a thumbnail resembling Goddess Lakshmi, but with a dirty woman sitting on the lotus. Is it just me finding it objectionable, or do you all feel the same?”
Another user wrote, “These individuals have created such an atmosphere of hatred that even we, who follow Sanatan Dharma, have been forced to become fundamentalists. This mental stress they’re causing is becoming unbearable.”
In a similar vein, another tweet criticized Ekta Kapoor, stating, “Ekta Kapoor is an ill-mannered woman with poor thinking. Her mind is only filled with such work, and she has spared no effort to destroy Indian culture. This is the reason for its downfall. Look at the fall of the Balaji name; it has become a shop of lust on the go.” Gandii Baat, a popular yet controversial series directed by Sachin Mohite, is currently airing its seventh season. Each episode revolves around a rural Indian narrative with an erotic theme. The show is also available on Jio Cinema.
