A right-wing group in Tamil Nadu has filed a complaint against actor Kamal Haasan, alleging that he has ruined the reputation of the state and its local culture by hosting reality show “Bigg Boss Tamil”, India Today reported on Wednesday.

In its complaint to the Chennai Police commissioner, fringe group Hindu Makkal Katchi has demanded the arrest of the actor and the show’s participants, according to the Hindustan Times reported. The group also demanded that the show be banned.

“People wearing slinky clothes and using crass language erode our social values and are a threat to our culture,” FirstPost reported, quoting the group’s letter to the commissioner.

Advertisement

Haasan, however, has downplayed the group’s call for his arrest. “I do not mind being arrested,” he said. “It would make a point in proving how silly these accusations are. Why didn’t they call for a ban on cheerleaders dancing in the stadium during a cricket match?”

The Hindu Mahasabha has also criticised the actor and the show. “The things shown on ‘Bigg Boss’ are against the cultural values of India, and no one who supports Indian culture will support this show,” Chakrapani Maharaj of the Hindu Mahasabha told India Today. “Earlier also Kamal Haasan has spoken against the Mahabharat and Hindu culture, and we are sure that in the future, he will again speak something through this show that will hurt Hindu sentiments.”

In March, the Hindu Makkal Katchi had accused Haasan of making derogatory comments against Hindu epic Mahabharata.

The Tamil version of the show hosted by Haasan was first aired on June 25. “When ‘Bigg Boss’ approached me to play the host, I funnily quipped, ‘who better than me, right?’” India Today had quoted Haasan as saying. “All my life, I have been under constant watch and have been judged on whatever I have done, public or private.”