Vishal Dadlani booked for his sarcastic 'monkery' tweet on Jain guru Tarun Sagar

A FIR has been filed against music director Vishal Dadlani over his sarcastic tweet on Jain religious leader Tarun Sagar's address to the Haryana Assembly, reported CNN - NEWS18. Dadlani's tweet mocking the Jain monk attracted several brickbats from across the social media and political leaders, so much so that he quit politics.

Celebrity supporter of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Dadlani, on Saturday, had severed ties with the party's political work, saying he "made a mistake by offending the peaceful Jain community" after his tweet on the monk created controversy. The Haryana government had invited the Jain monk, who appeared in nude, to deliver a lecture 'Kadve Vachan' in the Assembly on Friday. A day later, Dadlani in a tweet termed Tarun Sagar's speech as "monkery". However, that particular tweet was later removed.

Dadlani had later apologised to the Jain monk as well. But here is what Tarun Sagar had to say:

In that, Sir, we are more alike than different. Thanks for saying this. I apologise to you again, in all humility! https://t.co/1UJIA0boup

— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 28, 2016

Tarun Sagar told ANI, "I don't think he knows anything about Jainism or our beliefs. Also, the question of apology doesn't arise as I am not angry with him in the first place."

I don't think he knows anything about Jainism or our beliefs: Jain Muni Tarun Sagar on Vishal Dadlani pic.twitter.com/pv1el1wY2W

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 29, 2016

The esteemed Digambar Jain guru Tarun Sagar sat on a dais and spoke of the marriage between dharma and politics, terrorism and female foeticide.

The music composer decided to air his opinion on the Jain guru via the social media site, mocking the fact that the spiritual leader gave the speech in the nude. He used the hashtag #NoKachcheDin along with the tweet, which has now been deleted following the outrage. Furthermore, Dadlani also criticised people for "defending the monk's colossal idiocy".

Vishal Dadlani's tweet that was later deleted.

People actually trying to defend the colossal idiocy of some naked monk, addressing Haryana assembly, telling women how to live! UNREAL! (2)

— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 27, 2016

(2) That dude has the same education, as he has clothes on. None. I've no problem with nudity. I have a problem with religion in governance.

— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 27, 2016

I wonder how the idiots defending that shit, don't see the hypocrisy of it. Or 'hipocrasy', as they spell it. https://t.co/8zjt3UnDGe

— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 27, 2016

Dadlani's botheration being: "Inclusion of religion in governance and 'saints' in Parliament", which a Twitter user clarified, saying that it was legislative assembly and not Parliament. He tried to counter every criticism that he invited.

Everyone is entitled to believe whatever they like & worship whomever they choose. Can we just keep ALL of those OUT of Governance, please?

— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 27, 2016

All respect for Jains & Jainism.Their cocept of non-violence is what the world needs.But why 'saints' in parliament? https://t.co/XrvKphBoQq

— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 27, 2016

Nothing vulgar about nudity. Telling women how to live, what to wear, where to go, what to do....THAT is vulgar! https://t.co/XrvKphBoQq

— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 27, 2016

Get jurists, scientists, social-workers, reformers, infrastructure/management experts. Why so-called 'saints'? https://t.co/0AV7ApcETq

— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 27, 2016

You're right. My mistake. Slip of the thumb. https://t.co/rgcM9GdIgK

— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 27, 2016

He further apologised justifying his intent:

I apologise if I've upset Jain feelings. The intent was to ridicule the merger of religion & governance, and not any religion in particular.

— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 27, 2016

Here's the monk addressing the Haryana assembly. Sure that's inoffensive to all. I apologise if I hurt anyone. pic.twitter.com/0dYsEflQx5

— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 27, 2016

I got carried away. I apologise to you, and all concerned. Now, can we not have religion in governance? https://t.co/fQzmUKgwvF

— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 27, 2016

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had disapproved his remark, saying, "Tarun Sagarji Maharaj is a very revered saint, not just for Jains but everyone and those showing disrespect is unfortunate and should stop", while Delhi PWD Minister Satyendar Jain sought "kshama" from him on behalf of his music composer "friend".

Dadlani has been responding to every tweet over his remark and apologising profusely. He further announced that he will be quitting from politics.

It feel bad that I hurt my Jain friends & my friends @ArvindKejriwal & @SatyendarJain .I hereby quit all active political work/affiliation.

— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 27, 2016

A lot is being said against AAP because I chose to quit. I just want to say, AAP is a family. Please keep faith in AK & the party! (2)

— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 28, 2016

(2) I made a mistake by offending the peaceful Jain community, and I felt the only way to truly apologise, was to renounce my ego (3)

— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 28, 2016

(3) Neither Arvind, nor anyone else, asked me to quit. I make my own decisions. I made a mistake, & I'm genuinely sorry. That's all. (4)

— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 28, 2016

With inputs from agencies