Javed Akhtar’s Defense of Bollywood’s Silence on Operation Sindoor: Sparking Outrage or Valid Point?”

By Anil Merani: Javed Akhtar’s recent statement in defence of Bollywood’s silence on Operation Sindoor has stirred controversy and may further escalate tensions. Akhtar, known for his outspoken views, argued that actors should not be obligated to take political stances. He suggested that expecting celebrities to comment on every issue, such as Operation Sindoor—India’s military response to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack—is hypocritical, especially since critics like businessmen rarely challenge government policies themselves. He also noted that some actors are too focused on “making money or building their name” to engage in political matters, which could be seen as dismissive of public expectations during a national crisis.

This stance risks adding fuel to the fire for several reasons. First, it seems to downplay the public’s demand for solidarity from influential figures during a time of heightened national sentiment, particularly after an operation targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Social media posts on platforms like X from users such as @ieEntertainment and @LatestlyBangla reflect ongoing criticism of Bollywood’s silence, and Akhtar’s remarks may reinforce perceptions of the industry’s detachment.

Second, his comments could be interpreted as excusing actors’ reticence due to fear of backlash or boycott campaigns, which have already targeted stars like Aamir Khan for his film “Sitaare Zameen Par.” This may embolden critics to escalate calls for boycotts, as seen with hashtags like #BoycottAamirKhan, which accuse stars of prioritising commercial interests over national loyalty.

On the other hand, Akhtar’s argument that not every celebrity needs to speak out—particularly when their silence arises from fear of repercussions, such as raids or investigations—highlights a broader issue of freedom of expression. He explained to Kapil Sibal that Bollywood stars face the same pressures as ordinary citizens, which could resonate with those who view forced statements as performative. However, in a charged atmosphere where public sentiment equates silence with disloyalty, his defence may come off as tone-deaf, potentially alienating fans and amplifying boycott threats. For instance, posts on X from @Nitinrajpu66462 demonstrate how Akhtar’s outspokenness contrasts with the silence of others, which could further polarize opinions.

In summary, while Akhtar’s statement aims to challenge the pressure on actors, it risks being perceived as an excuse for their silence, likely intensifying public frustration and fueling boycott campaigns against Bollywood figures deemed unpatriotic.

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