Rasika Dugal says she would have REJECTED Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Animal’; Netizens remind her that playing ‘Beena Bhabhi’ in ‘Mirzapur’ was far more misogynistic

Actor Rasika Dugal, has made her stance clear; she said she would not have agreed to be part of a film like ‘Animal’. The actress said that she refuses to participate in projects that celebrate misogyny or push propaganda. ‘Animal’ was directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starred Ranbir Kapoor, alongside Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna and Triptii Dimri.

But her remarks also faced criticism online with many netizens recalling her role as Beena bhabhi in the hit web series ‘Mirzapur’

Rasika Dugal refuses roles that celebrate misogyny

Dugal shared her thoughts during the We The Women Mumbai session, speaking with journalist Barkha Dutt. Talking about the kind of roles she refuses, she said, “The things that I won’t do is celebrate misogyny or be part of a propaganda film those things are non-negotiable for me.”

When asked if that meant she would not have accepted a film like ‘Animal’, Dugal responded with a firm, clear, “No.”

Rasika clarifies objection is not about characters

Dutt pointed out that some actors argue that portraying problematic characters is part of the craft. She referred to a previous conversation with Rashmika Mandanna and explained that Dugal’s objection was not about playing an unlikeable character, but about lending legitimacy to a film’s larger message. When explained,“I think your point is it's not the actor, it's the institutionalisation or the respectability given to the misogyny that's the problem.”

Agreeing, Dugal clarified that she has no hesitation in playing characters whose values differ from her own,“I would be very happy to play a character whose politics is not in sync with mine. That’s exciting for me.”

She further added, “I’m not Beena Tripathi in real life. I don’t go around killing people or violating men. Understanding a mind different from mine is why I do what I do.”

Rasika Dugal insists project ideology must align

However, Dugal stressed that while she can play morally grey characters, the broader ideology of the project must not clash with her principles, “It’s important for me that the politics of the project is aligned with mine.”

Netizens REACT to Rasika’s remark

Many netizens reacted to this remark and recalled her role in ‘Mirzapur’. A netizen wrote, “Mirzapur was the most violent & misogynist series. How did she say yes to a scene where she is okay to have intercourse with her FIL? @RasikaDugal @BDUTT Do you guys seriously think before saying or asking? For fame, you can fall levels down right? Rasika's morphed face below”

Another added, “Someone please tell @RasikaDugal he definition of misogyny and ask her to watch *Mirzapur* again. *Mirzapur* is not 10 but 100 times more misogynistic and lowlife than *Animal* or *Kabir Singh*. That pathetic series works only because dehatism is now centre stage in India, and abusing content is the new cool.”

On the work front, Dugal’s latest release was ‘Delhi Crime Season 3’, where she plays ACP Neeti Singh.


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