Actor Swara Bhasker has issued a clarification regarding her recent social media post, where she criticised society for being more outraged over a fictionalised depiction of Hindu suffering than the real-life tragedies of two recent stampedes. Without naming specific incidents, she had referenced the Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava and the stampedes at the Maha Kumbh and New Delhi Railway Station.
Swara’s Clarification
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Swara emphasised that historical pride should not be used to overlook present-day failures. She also reiterated her respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.
“My tweet has generated much debate & avoidable misunderstanding. Without any doubt, I respect the brave legacy and contribution of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj… especially his ideas of social justice & respect for women,” she wrote.
Further explaining her stance, she added, “My limited point is that glorifying our history is great, but please don’t misuse the glory of the past to hide the mistakes & failures of present times. Historical understanding should always be used to unite people & not to divide and divert attention from current issues.”
Swara concluded her post by addressing concerns over her earlier remarks. “If my earlier tweet has hurt any sentiments, that is regretted. Like any other proud Indian, I am also proud of our history. Our history should unite us and give us strength to fight for a better and more inclusive future,” she wrote.
Swara’s Earlier Comments
On Wednesday, Swara sparked controversy with her statement criticizing the selective outrage in society. She had tweeted, “A society that is more enraged at the heavily embellished, partly fictionalised filmy torture of Hindus from 500 years ago than they are at the horrendous death by stampede & mismanagement + then alleged JCB bulldozer handling of corpses – is a brain & soul-dead society. #IYKYK.”
Her remarks came in the wake of two tragic incidents. At least 30 people died and 60 were injured in a stampede at Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh on January 29. Another 18 people lost their lives in a stampede at an overcrowded New Delhi Railway Station on February 15.
About Chhaava
Directed by Laxmikant Utekar, Chhaava stars Vicky Kaushal in the role of Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film, which also features Rashmika Mandanna, has been a commercial success, crossing ₹200 crore at the domestic box office.
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