On Teachers’ Day, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma triggered a social media storm by listing underworld don Dawood Ibrahim as one of his biggest inspirations. Known for his bold and often controversial statements, RGV posted a tribute on X (formerly Twitter), thanking figures who shaped his creative journey a list that included Amitabh Bachchan, Steven Spielberg, Ayn Rand, Bruce Lee, Sridevi… and Dawood Ibrahim. Varma wrote, “Here’s a BIG SALUTE to all the GREATS who inspired me to become whatever I became and to make whatever films I made… HAPPY TEACHERS DAY.”
The inclusion of Dawood Ibrahim India’s most wanted terrorist immediately drew sharp criticism. Netizens accused the filmmaker of glorifying crime on a day meant to celebrate teachers and mentors. One user wrote, “Dawood’s teacher must be so proud from the top of the world to the underworld.” Others asked, “What exactly did you learn from a gangster?”
Sarcastic replies flooded in, with one saying, “Why stop there? Add Osama bin Laden too.” Many called his post “insensitive” and “tone-deaf,” especially considering Dawood’s criminal history.
This isn’t the first time RGV has acknowledged Dawood’s influence. In past interviews, he admitted that his career was built on gangster films inspired by Mumbai’s underworld. His 2002 film Company was loosely based on the fallout between Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan. In 2021, he even directed D Company, a film centered on Dawood’s rise.
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While Varma is known for pushing boundaries, this latest post has reignited the debate over creative inspiration versus irresponsible glorification. As criticism continues, RGV has yet to comment or retract his statement.
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