Say women activists protesting against the Canadian performer's offensive comments on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

His film Speedy Singhs may not have really picked up pace at the box-office, but actor and stand-up comedian Russell Peters' recent comments on the Bachchan bahu certainly have caused a stir.

Peters, who was in Mumbai to promote Speedy Singhs, took a dig at Aishwarya Rai Bachchan last week saying, "She hasn't become a better actor.

She is still good looking, isn't that good enough? Good job Abhishek, you finally knocked her up!"

The actress was apparently offended by Peters' comments and now, not surprisingly, there are certain women's rights activists who have joined her in protest, demanding an apology from him.

Says Shalini Thackeray, president of the MNS cine-workers union, "He (Russell) has no right to talk badly about our actors. His comment on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is indeed in bad taste and will not be forgotten."

Some of the groups have apparently even written to Speedy Singh's producer Akshay Kumar to get Peters to apologise for his comments.

Adds Sundari Thakur from the NGO Nari Samman Sanghathan, "He should mind his language and stay within his limits.

Aishwarya is a woman first and an actress later. I think Russell has no respect for women and shouldn't be entertained."

The controversy, timed well during the film's release, hardly seems to have helped its fortunes at the box-office.

Fortunately, for Peters he does not have to face the music as he has already flown back to Canada. Akki, however, may not be so lucky.

Russell Peters and Akshay Kumar were unavailable for comment.