After Priyanka Chopra's Sikkim controversy, Ashoke Pandit alerts celebs for their statements on foreign soil

"Celebrities should be sure of what they are speaking, especially on a foreign soil," says filmmaker Ashoke Pandit citing global star Priyanka Chopra's latest comment on Sikkim.

The ' Baywatch' star has courted fresh controversy after calling Sikkim a state 'troubled with insurgency' in an interview at the Toronto International Film Festival 2017.

Speaking about it, the 60-year-old told ANI, "There's no doubt that Priyanka, who is an icon of this country, did a mistake, a blunder. Now that she has apologized, I think the matter should end here."

Adding, "But there's no doubt that celebrities have to be particular in talking about things they are very confident upon otherwise things go on a wrong turn. It is important for people to know about that particular place before making a statement and that too on a foreign soil."

Earlier, The Megastar of India, Priyanka Chopra has apologised to Assam government after Ugen Gyatso, the tourism minister of Sikkim had sought an apology from the actor. The mother of the 35-year-old actress, Madhu Chopra talked to Gyatso to seek apology for PeeCee's comment.

This is what her letter to the tourism ministry reads:

"I'm sorry I have to write to you under these circumstances.. but I needed to clarify my stance in regards to the situation which has arisen due to a comment of mine during an interview for my film Pahuna, which was misunderstood.

As you are aware, I hold the Government and the people of Sikkim in high regard and have in addition to Pahuna been looking to tell more great stories from Sikkim.

From the moment I heard the script of Pahuna, I knew I wanted to share this story with the world. It is important to me because no one else was willing to take a chance on a film like this, that deals with the refugee crises which is an issue that is being dealt with across the world as it is being in Sikkim.. Pahuna is a film that brings a message of hope and positivity.

My comment, made during an interview at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival 2017, where Pahuna made its worldwide debut, was misconstrued. I was talking about the Sikkimese film industry and also the subject of the film, where I mentioned how Sikkim was grappling with the refugee situation caused by insurgencies.. I had meant by the 'neighbouring countries' .. I am fully aware that Sikkim is an incredible host nation (sic) to so many refugees and our film shows exactly that through the children's point of view...

I understand that the statement I made in the interview was open to interpretation. I should have been clearer with my intention. We've made a beautiful film that would not have been possible without the support of the government and people of Sikkim. In no way did I intend to offend or hurt anyone's sentiments and for that I apologise.

I appreciate all the support you have shown me and my team and I wanted to clear the misunderstanding with you directly."

Earlier Priyanka Chopra was trolled on social media for calling Sikkim a state “troubled by insurgency” and for calling her film 'Pahuna', the first ever film produced from the region.

The Quantico fame during an interview at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) said, “Sikkim is a small state from Northeast India. It is an insurgency affected place. It never had a film industry. Never before anyone has made a film from Sikkim. Our film is the first movie to be made in this region. This film is based on the story of two kids who get separated from their parents while fleeing the Maoist agitation from Nepal to Sikkim. The entire cast and many of the technicians are from Sikkim. It is a take on the refugee crisis from the eye of two kids.”
Although, it is true that there is no full-fledged film industry in Sikkim but Priyanka Chopra's film Pahuna is definitely not the first film to come from the reign.

-With ANI inputs