Nitish Bhardwaj reacts to the 'Oppenheimer' Bhagwad Gita controversy

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Barbie' last Friday, a specific scene has stirred up controversy and garnered significant attention for all the wrong reasons. The scene in question involves the lead character, Oppenheimer, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, uttering a line from the Bhagavad Gita during an intimate moment with Jean Tatlock, played by Florence Pugh. The use of a Bhagavad Gita verse in such a context during a romantic scene has triggered outrage within the Indian community, drawing sharp criticism online.

This response has reportedly prompted the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to take a stern stance on the matter. Additionally, Nitish Bhardwaj, renowned for his portrayal of Lord Krishna in Mahabharata, has weighed in on the issue. In an interview with ETimes, he shared his perspective on the significance of the Gita's teachings.

According to Bhardwaj, the Bhagavad Gita fundamentally imparts the concept of duty within the context of a battlefield. Metaphorically, he suggests that life's struggles, particularly emotional ones, can be viewed as battlefields. He highlights a specific verse, 11.32, in which Arjuna is advised to fulfill his duty as a warrior by fighting against evil.

Bhardwaj emphasizes the importance of understanding the entirety of Krishna's teachings, where the eternal time aspect indicates the inevitability of death, even without direct intervention. Expanding on the connection between Oppenheimer and the Bhagavad Gita, Bhardwaj posits that Oppenheimer's emotional state of mind must be considered. He refers to the scientist's deep involvement and preoccupation with his creation, the atom bomb, leading to his profound regret and tears during a famous interview.