Pune: Chinmay Mandlekar Faces Backlash Over Son’s Name; Says No More Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Roles

Varad Bhatkhande

Pune, 21st April 2024: Chinmay Mandlekar, a multifaceted figure in Marathi cinema known for his acting, writing, directing, and producing, has found himself at the centre of controversy due to his son’s name, Jehangir. Despite his significant contributions to the industry, including portraying iconic roles such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chinmay has faced relentless trolling and unwarranted attacks on his family.

In response to the ongoing harassment, Chinmay took to his official Instagram account to address the issue directly. Expressing his dismay over the persistent trolling directed towards his son, he emphasized the distress it has caused to his family. He firmly asserted that while criticism of his work is acceptable, attacks on his personal life, including questioning his son’s name and his wife’s character, are unjustifiable.

Chinmay clarified that he has previously explained the reasoning behind his son’s name and urged those interested to refer to his earlier statements. He highlighted the hypocrisy in targeting his family now, years after his son’s birth, and questioned the relevance of his professional roles to personal matters.

Despite his deep reverence for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, reflected in his portrayal on screen and even in his personal life, Chinmay expressed his willingness to step away from such roles if they cause harm to his family. He lamented the unfortunate situation where his faith and devotion are misconstrued and his family becomes the target of undue scrutiny.

Chinmay also debunked accusations of aligning with any political ideology, emphasizing his independent stance and informed voting practices. He concluded by expressing gratitude for the love he has received for his portrayals but reiterated his commitment to prioritizing his family’s well-being over professional considerations.

In essence, Chinmay’s statement reflects his deep concern for his family’s welfare amidst relentless online harassment and underscores the need for empathy and respect in online discourse.

Neha Mandlekar Stands Firm Against Trolling

Neha Mandlekar, wife of actor Chinmay Mandlekar, also took to social media to address the ongoing trolling regarding their son’s name, Jehangir. Following a barrage of comments questioning their choice of name, Neha shared two posts on Instagram, providing a detailed response to the criticism.

In her posts, Neha recounted an encounter with a user who criticized their decision to name their son Jehangir, suggesting it was a Mughal name. Neha humorously responded, expressing her inability to consult the user for naming their child and instead inviting suggestions for naming the user’s future child. This exchange prompted the troll to apologize for their comment, acknowledging their mistake and expressing remorse.

However, Neha took the opportunity to assert her family’s independence and constitutional right to name their child as they see fit, emphasizing that they have committed no crime in doing so. She reminded the troll that in a democratic country, citizens have the freedom to make personal choices without fear of judgment or punishment.

Why Did the Mandlekar Couple Choose ‘Jehangir’ Name?

Neha also delved into the significance of the name Jehangir, explaining its historical context as the name of a Mughal emperor, known for his conquests and association with Emperor Akbar. She highlighted the positive attributes associated with the name and defended their decision to bestow it upon their son.

Chinmay Mandlekar had previously shared the story behind their son’s name, revealing that Jahangir was born on Jamshedi Navroz, prompting them to choose a name that resonated with the legacy of Bharat Ratna JRD Tata.