Vivek Agnihotri clarifies ‘gareebon ka khana’ remark, saying ‘don’t drag me into controversy’

Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri recently sparked backlash with a comment calling Maharashtrian food 'poor farmers’ meals'. Now, he’s stepped forward to explain. In a light-hearted interview with his wife Pallavi Joshi, Agnihotri shares that the remark was made in jest—born of cultural differences when he first encountered dishes like varan bhaat and kadhi. Calling it a 'culture shock,' he acknowledges now how economical, healthy, and thoughtful the cuisine truly is. Posting to The Raunac Podcast, he appealed: 'People edited my words—so don’t drag me into controversy.'