Top News
Bollywood slams journalist for calling Priyanka Chopra ‘scam artist’
Mumbai, Dec 5 (IANS) Indian celebrities like actresses Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Swara Bhasker, and singer Sona Mohapatra, have criticised journalist Mariah Smith for writing a “racist” article about actress Priyanka Chopra and American singer Nick Jonas’ wedding.
In The New York Mag’s TheCut article, the journalist called Priyanka, 36, a “global scam artist”, who tricked young Jonas, 26, into a lifelong commitment when all he really wanted was a fling.
“Priyanka: She is a modern-day scam artist, in my opinion. That’s right: Nicholas Jonas married into a fraudulent relationship against his will this past Saturday, December the 1st, and I’ll tell you why I think so…,” it read.
After the article got circulated on social media, it garnered huge flak from some of the members of Indian film fraternity.
“For a publication that ‘shows women what they are made of’, TheCut has a lot to answer for. The article on Priyanka was sexist, racist and disgusting. Also it’s written by a woman which is so sad. It reeks of envy and bitterness. Mariah, shame on you,” Sonam tweeted on Wednesday.
Swara also expressed her disappointment on the micro-blogging site.
“Depressed with the state of the world and current affairs? Here is some good old fashioned puerile filth published by TheCut to add some pointless venom to your day. Also someone invite Mariah to an Indian wedding, might assuage some of her misguided angst! Yellow Journalism,” tweeted the “Tanu Weds Manu” actress.
In the article, Smith also said: “Priyanka’s indulgences and what she views as necessities speak volumes to her personality and what she’ll do, or think she needs to do, for her career….”
Smith also slammed the couple, who got married in Jodhpur last week, saying they had their high profile wedding just to make money.
“Priyanka and Nick are finding ways for their ‘love’ make them money – circumventing the methods used by the celebrities of yore, who stuck to selling their wedding or baby photos to magazines,” the article added.
Veteran writer-producer Vinta Nanda was left “shocked” after reading Smith’s write-up.
“What does the writer mean by saying that he is gotten married against his will to a fraudulent relationship? Does the writer not see in pictures that it was one of the most beautiful weddings ever?” added Nanda.
Sona found the article “deeply disgusting”.
“To character assassinate a hardworking, driven, achiever like Priyanka Chopra in this warped, petty manner and for TheCut to publish such a low-brow piece is the lowest of the lows. ‘Priyanka’s plan to make this Nick Jonas opportunity her forever b***h?’ Sick,” Sona sighed.
Priyanka, a former Miss World, is one of the leading Bollywood actresses. The “Mary Kom” star is also popular in the US for her American TV show “Quantico”.
–IANS
sim/nn/hs
Top News
Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.