International pop icon Tina Turner will be seen playing the role of Hindu goddess Durga in Ismail Merchant’s next movie.
In fact, many Indian Americans are reportedly peeved at Merchant’s choice of Tina to play a goddess that Hindus hold in high esteem and reverence.
Spearheading the protest is the Chicago businessman Avi Verma, an avid devotee of Durga. Verma and a number of other Hindus in America and the world over have strongly objected to Turner playing Durga because her pop star image did not go well with the role she was set to play.
On the other hand, Ismail justifies his choice of Tina by saying: “Maa Durga is reflected through the power of Shakti (energy) in every human being, whether Hindu, Muslim, Christian or Buddhist. There can therefore be no contradiction or offence in our casting Tina Turner. In fact it is impossible to imagine a human being with more magic and charisma than Tina or one more able to act in the role of the goddess.”
In fact, Tina Turner accompanied Ismail Merchant on his recent trip to India. It is learnt that she wanted to get closely acquainted with the Indian culture.
International pop icon Tina Turner will be seen playing the role of Hindu goddess Durga in Ismail Merchant’s next movie.