Bollywood actor Swara Bhaskar is a favorite of internet trolls, primarily because of her outspoken views. The diva keeps getting surrounded by a pool of problems because of her ‘no-nonsense’ attitude and the fearlessness to put forward her opinions.
Swara Bhaskar, who became the face of resistance during the ongoing protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizen (NRC) in India, believes that actors are soft targets and can’t be blamed for remaining silent.
The ‘Veere Di Wedding’ star belongs to a minority of actors who chose to speak up against the government’s decision to grant citizenship to a select group of minorities, which did not include Muslims — a move that has triggered nation-wide protests in India. But the collective silence from Bollywood superstars including Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Akshay Kumar has not gone unnoticed.
“Bollywood has always been vulnerable to government interference and regulation. We have archaic censorship laws and we have a volatile public that has been encouraged to become mob-like in the past few years,” said Bhaskar in an exclusive interview with Gulf News tabloid! over email.
Swara Bhaskar was subjected to innumerable trolls from the fans of Modi Government.
This time the actress took to Twitter to react to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘9 PM 9 minute’ idea. The ‘Veere Di Wedding’ urged her followers to clap hands and light candles but to also remember that doctors and nurses need gloves, masks, gear and ‘a government that delivers these.’
Clap your hands, bang bartans, light candles and torches but remember doctors, nurses & medical staff needs gloves, masks, gear and a government that delivers these. Pls ask our govt. to make sure medical personnel in India are protected.
RT and share max using #DocsNeedGear— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) April 3, 2020
थाली बजाएँ, ताली बजायें, दिये जलाएँ, टॉर्च चलाएँ सब करें.. बस याद रखें कि अस्पतालों में डॉक्टर, नर्सेज़ और मेडिकल कर्मचारी हैं जिन्हें इन प्रदर्शन से ज़्यादा ग्लव, मास्क इत्यादि अपनी सुरक्षा की सामग्री चाहिए अपनी जान बचाने के लिए ताकि वो #corona से देश को बचा पाएँ! #DocsNeedGear
— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) April 3, 2020
While some agreed with Swara, others brutally trolled the actress and asked her if she has donated towards the relief funds.
- A user wrote, “And Swara Bhaskar’s contribution till now is ZERO.”
- “You keep this knowledge with you, the government knows its responsibility,” read another comment.
- Another user said,”One of the only sane voices in India. Leaders of other nations are taking pragmatic actions to deal with COVID and PM Modi talks about burning candles. Go corona go”
#swarabhaskarpaisenikal pic.twitter.com/YYsfETOu7x
— Shubham Chauhan (@Shubham73794952) April 3, 2020
Let’s talk about the shift in the narrative, Swara earlier said, “As our government makes efforts to bring the situation under control- as responsible citizens we must do our bit and follow the prescribed restrictions. Every movement has to adapt to the reality of the moment. And at this moment it is important that we leave aside our political differences and do our bit for the safety of the country and the whole world.” And considering the severity of the virus crisis we presently are in, especially with the 21-day lockdown being announced by Prime Minister Modi, it only makes sense to tackle one problem at a time.
Posting on her social media account, Swara also wrote, “My appeal to ALL the sit-in protests in times of corona We are committed to the Constitution and we are committed to the values of the Constitution. At a time of global pandemic – as the Coronavirus COVID-19 spreads all over India rapidly self-quarantine, isolation and social distancing are the only ways to lessen the speed with which this virus spreads. As citizens it is our duty to isolate ourselves and social distance. In light of these developments- my appeal to the amazing Dadis of Shaheen Baugh and all the women and people of the sit-in protests across the country: Stand Up! Self isolateVacate the streets!” To fight the bigger fight, it is imperative we stay alive and kicking, and quarantine during this highly contagious time, and it is the best way we can help save ourselves and this country we were so passionately fighting for.
Although, Swara is controversy’s favorite child and has once again come under the scanner of the trolls online but we’re grateful that she at least opened up her brains, if not her purse. This was the least she could contribute. And she reacted to these trolls on her twitter account.
Basically, if I’m not involved in a #twittercontroversy once a week, assume I’m dead!!! 🤣🤣🤣 #realisation
— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) July 14, 2019