- Aishwarya Rai first time appeared wearing sindoor in her hair, pushing a symbolic political narrative.
- Ruchi Gujjar took wore necklace featuring three portraits of Narendra Modi.
- Surbhi Das launched a hateful attack on Pakistani star Hania Aamir.
What was once hailed as a symbol of cultural exchange and soft power is increasingly becoming a platform for political posturing and hostile rhetoric. Recent events, from the Cannes Film Festival to high-profile interviews, reveal an alarming shift in Bollywood — one where anti-Pakistan sentiment is no longer subtle, but openly celebrated.
Cannes Becomes a Stage for Political Spectacle
At the Cannes Film Festival, Bollywood’s representation took an unexpectedly political turn. Actress Aishwarya Rai appeared wearing vermillion (sindoor), which Indian media and users interpreted as a nod to “Operation Sindoor” — a military strike against Pakistan following the Pahalgam incident. Simultaneously, actress Ruchi Gujjar drew global attention — and criticism — by donning a necklace with portraits of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Critics slammed the act as a tone-deaf politicization of art, while supporters hailed it as patriotism.
Hania Aamir Targeted After Speaking Out
Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, who condemned Indian military actions and voiced support for Pakistani martyrs, found herself at the center of a storm. Indian actress Surbhi Das accused her of hypocrisy, claiming she begs for Bollywood roles while attacking India. Following this, Hania’s Instagram account was reportedly restricted in India, and several Indian celebrities joined the chorus against her.
Javed Akhtar’s Dangerous Rhetoric
Renowned lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar escalated the tension with a series of incendiary remarks. Speaking about the Pahalgam attack, he demanded, “Crackers on the border won’t work. Take a solid step now… It is time for ‘aar ya paar’ (do or die).” His call for aggressive retaliation left little room for diplomatic nuance.
In a separate interview, Akhtar went further, saying, “If I only have a choice of going either to hell or to Pakistan, I would rather like to go to hell.” The comment sparked outrage in Pakistan. Actress Bushra Ansari shot back, “You have few hours to live — and still talk nonsense.”
Akhtar also criticized the inclusion of Pakistani artists in Indian media, calling it “one-way traffic” and questioning why Indian legends like Lata Mangeshkar were never invited to perform in Pakistan. His remarks further deepened the cultural chasm between the two nations.
Vivek Obhrai’s Father Adds Fuel to Fire
Adding to the wave of antagonism, Vivek Obhrai’s father — a vocal supporter of Hindutva ideology — reportedly stated in a viral clip:
“Why should any Indian tolerate Pakistan or Pakistanis? They support terrorism, they oppose our army. They don’t deserve a place in Indian entertainment.”
While his comments were not officially endorsed, they reflect an increasingly hostile tone from public figures and influencers tied to Bollywood circles.
Politics Over Peace: Is Bollywood Being Hijacked?
These incidents raise serious concerns: Is Bollywood turning into a vehicle for nationalist propaganda? From fashion choices turned political to public hate speech, the blurring of artistic boundaries with extremist ideology is unsettling.
What was once a shared cultural space is now under threat — with art, cinema, and collaboration being replaced by division, hostility, and hate.
The Call for Sanity
Art should bridge, not burn, borders. Voices from both sides must rise — not for applause, but for peace. Culture must not be held hostage to politics.