Former Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) scientist Nambi Narayanan has opened up about critics’ criticism that targeted his Hindu identity as depicted in the film ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’ based on his life. A video has gone viral on social media in which Nambi Narayanan can be seen explaining his point and asking if being a Hindu is a sin.
“It’s funny sometimes. You know someone wrote a review saying that Nambi Narayanan is shown as Hindu. Nambi Narayanan doing some celebration, reciting suprabhatam, this, that, and all kinds of things. He is a ‘Brahmin’. He is a Hindu. Hindutva is being shown. I just wanted to ask you, I am a Hindu. I mean I have no shame in saying that. What Being a Hindu is a crime? Nambi said in the video.
Nambi further argued that he is a Hindu and thus, the film only showed him as a Hindu as it could not show him as a Muslim or a Christian. He further said that he was not a Brahmin, and even if he was, why would people want to cut him (Brahmin).
“Is it a sin to be a Brahmin? I am not a Brahmin, that is a different question. Is it a sin? If a Brahmin is a partner, you will belittle him. There are so many Brahmins, who have given their lives for this country.” . Not just one. I can give you a list. So the point I am raising is that we are coloring the issue unnecessarily.”
The ISRO scientist, who was wrongly dismissed from his service, reiterated that he had no political leanings towards any party. Thus, anyone who drums his name for politics should not try to go down that path. Nambi also noted that he received praise from both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who are on opposite ends of the political spectrum.
“I will tell you. Forget about Narendra Modi. Do you know that the current Chief Minister of Kerala has given me excellent support? In what way is his support low? He has cut the fight for my case. So you call Will I be a communist fellow?”
It is worth noting that after the film’s release, some critics and netizens objected to Narayanan’s portrayal of a devout Hindu in the film. Scenes of Narayanan conducting ‘puja’ in his room were questioned, while references to patriotism and a particular religion had some plot points raised by the opponents.
The film stars R Madhavan who portrays the title character of Nambi Narayanan. Despite being in its third week at the box office, Rocketry: The Nambi Effect is still giving tough competition to the new releases.