BOLLYWOOD TO SPEAK UP OR KEEP MUM

While actors down south voice their opinions, Bollywood chooses silence

In the wake of the battle at the political front in Tamil Nadu, actors in the south Indian industry such as Kamal Haasan (above, right) and R Madhavan (below, right) haven’t shied away from speaking their mind. This has got many thinking why Bollywood celebs don’t take a stand when it comes to politics.

Haasan has supported Panneerselvam for the Chief Minister’s seat instead of Sasikala. In an interview, he said, “Time of dice playing was done with in Mahabharat. We can’t be playing dice and hawking our families, in favour of numbers [Sasikala’s MLA support]. We don’t trade. I’ve reservations about both of them [Panneerselvam and Sasikala]. This guy has proven his mettle and we’ll throw him out of his office if he’s incompetent again.” Haasan, even urged actor R Madhavan to take a stand, who later tweeted his opinion.

Why does Bollywood hold itself back from speaking up? Actor Swara Bhaskar says, “I don’t think it’s a North-South thing. Bollywood actors have endorsed political parties earlier. We can support dominant view of the majority but if actors are critical of the populist notion, they face backlash.” “Actors are attacked by lynch mobs. They aren’t defended by the press or the establishment. I urge leaders to be role models instead of actors like us,” says actor Richa Chadha. “Where’s the support? A Shah Rukh or a Salman Khan have made political comments and it backfired, which is unfair,” adds filmmaker Onir.