Speak Up Or Stay Silent? Why India's Celebs Bear The Brunt For Both

In Bollywood, where the reel and real lives of actors often intertwine, the power of celebrity voices is undeniable. A recent admission by director Meghna Gulzar sheds light on how Deepika Padukone's controversial visit to JNU had a profound impact on the reception of her 2020 film, Chhapaak. This incident, however, is just one instance in a broader landscape where celebrities face the daunting choice between speaking up or remaining silent in the face of trolling. 

Let's delve into the complex realm where opinions and silence can have far-reaching consequences in the personal and professional lives of Indian celebrities.

Deepika Padukone: A Controversial Stand and Its Aftermath

The early days of 2020 witnessed the JNU campus becoming a focal point for ideological clashes, and Deepika Padukone's decision to stand with the students reverberated far beyond the campus grounds. Three days before the release of Chhapaak, her film on acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal, Padukone's visit to JNU sparked a social media storm. Accusations of supporting a political agenda and threats of boycotting "Chhapaak" emerged, plunging the movie into a conversation far removed from its intended focus on acid violence.

#BoycottChhapaak and Beyond: The Social Media Storm

The social media storm that followed Deepika's JNU visit showcased a divided audience. Hashtags like #IStandWithDeepika and #BoycottChhapaak trended simultaneously, reflecting the polarization triggered by a celebrity's political stand. Bollywood peers took sides; Sonakshi Sinha and Bhumi Pednekar expressed support, while others like Richa Chadha and Anurag Kashyap joined the chorus. The public sentiment was divided, with accusations of promoting a "pro-Muslim" stance and threats to boycott the movie. This incident marked a turning point, illustrating how a celebrity's expression on socio-political matters can alter the course of their professional journey.

Three years later, Meghna Gulzar, the director of "Chhapaak," acknowledged the impact in an Express Adda session, stating unequivocally, "Yes, of course, it made a dent on the film. Because the conversation went from acid violence, which I intended the film to amplify, to somewhere else. So, of course, it impacted the film. There is no denying that."

The Ripple Effect: Other Celebrities Facing the Storm

Richa Chadha: Galwan Tweet and Political Backlash

Richa Chadha found herself in the eye of a storm after her 'Galwan says hi' tweet, criticized as being anti-national. The tweet, a reaction to the Indian Army's statement on the Galwan Valley clash, led to accusations, questions about her patriotism, and even a political turn as BJP leaders claimed her proximity to Congress. Chadha, in response, issued an apology, emphasizing her family's connection with the Army.

Swara Bhasker: Bold Opinions and Ongoing Trolling

Known for her bold and opinionated views, Swara Bhasker faces relentless trolling for expressing her thoughts on social and political issues. From being slut-shamed to facing criticism for sharing an article on the Mughals, Bhasker remains resilient, emphasizing the right of actors to have opinions in a society that often judges them harshly.

In a previous interview, she highlighted the challenges actors face, stating, "It’s true that we get extra flak compared to other people for having an opinion."

Taapsee Pannu: Balancing Opinions with Caution

Taapsee Pannu, acknowledging the consequences of being opinionated, pointed out, "Expect strong words from your actors only if you are willing to accept those words." 

She points out the need for the audience to accept strong words from actors and highlights the challenge of balancing opinions in a climate where backlash can take various forms, including damage to property.

Selective Activism: The Fear of Calling Hypocrite?

Bollywood's association with social causes often faces scrutiny when celebrities seemingly endorse conflicting ideologies. The fear of being labelled a "hypocrite" haunts Bollywood stars, especially when their activism abroad clashes with their actions at home. 

The industry's response to the George Floyd protests in 2020 triggered accusations of hypocrisy, as actors who spoke against racism were simultaneously linked to skin-lightening products. Priyanka Chopra, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, and Deepika Padukone found themselves amid a controversy that questioned the authenticity of their activism.

The critique extends to Bollywood's selective activism, with stars being accused of addressing international atrocities while remaining silent on domestic issues. The juxtaposition of vocal support for global causes against the silence on India's internal challenges, such as the persecution of minorities and socio-economic issues, raises questions about the authenticity of their activism.

The clash between their past endorsements and current activism highlights the challenges celebrities encounter when their words don't align with their actions.

The Weight of Silence

The fear of being labelled a hypocrite is not limited to taking a stand; it also extends to choosing silence and facing criticism as well. 

While some stars choose to remain silent, others, like Kangana Ranaut, make speaking out a defining trait. Ranaut has been vocal about Bollywood's reluctance to address political issues, questioning the silence of her peers. She emphasizes that successful individuals, with the attention of media cameras, should use their platforms responsibly

 "Aap baat nahi karenge, jo successful log hai, toh kaun baat karega?"

Actor Lin Laishram's concerns about the violence in Manipur showcase the struggle of Bollywood stars torn between their influential positions and the limitations of effecting change. While filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri criticizes Bollywood actors for prioritizing brand promotions over speaking up on important issues.

Bollywood actors also faced criticism for their stoic silence during the wrestlers' protest, revealing the dissonance between their on-screen portrayals of heroes and their inaction when real-life heroes needed support. The public, disillusioned by this apparent hypocrisy, questioned the priorities of these stars.

In another instance, during the farmers' agitation, prominent Bollywood figures faced backlash for seemingly coordinated tweets. The clash of opinions within the industry highlighted the challenges stars face in balancing their personal beliefs with public expectations.

Walking the Tightrope: The Balancing Act

Celebrities' reticence in India is attributed to the swift and severe retribution they might face. Unlike Hollywood, where outspokenness is more accepted, Bollywood stars risk harm from both online abuse and physical threats. Deepika Padukone's "Chhapaak" failing at the box office post-her JNU visit exemplifies the tangible impact silence or speech can have on a celebrity's professional life.

The dilemma of whether to stay silent or speak out is a complex one for Bollywood celebrities. The audience plays a crucial role in this narrative. While Bollywood celebrities wield immense influence, the expectation that they should be the ultimate arbiters of truth may not be fair.

Instead of rallying behind or criticizing their favourite stars, the audience should analyze issues independently, forming their own opinions. Giving celebrities the space to choose when to voice their thoughts fosters an environment where the fear of trolling doesn't stifle their authenticity.

Bollywood celebrity's dilemma—whether to speak up or stay silent—is a multifaceted challenge shaped by societal expectations, online dynamics, and the potential repercussions on personal and professional fronts. Each statement, tweet, or act of silence reverberates, impacting not only their careers but also influencing societal narratives. The question remains: in a world where opinions wield both power and peril, how will celebrities continue to navigate the thin line between personal beliefs and professional repercussions?

Views expressed are the author's own.