Indian celebrities under siege at global platforms

By Subhash K. Jha -

August 12, 2019 - 10:47 AM IST

This is not an easy time for Indian celebrities at international forums where questions on the Indian government’s recent moves in Kashmir and other sensitive political issues are raised unannounced by aggressive voices in the audience. Our glamorous global ambassador Priyanka Chopra found herself at one such sticky situation in Los Angeles last week when a Pakistani woman from the audience shouted and accused Priyanka for encouraging nuclear attacks on Pakistan.

Indian celebrities under siege at global platforms

“You are United Nations Goodwill ambassador for peace and you are encouraging nuclear war in Pakistan. There is no way you are in this ...As a Pakistani, millions of people, like ,me, have supported you in your business,” the attacker yelled.

Priyanka negotiated the verbal missiles with great grace. But others are not so fortunate. Celebrities from the Indian entertainment industry increasingly find themselves faced with strong political questions from hostile elements.

A young popular actress says the situation is dicey. “Pataa nahin kaun kahan pe kya puchega. This is especially dangerous at international events where the audience consists of foreigners from all over the world. I am sometimes asked about issues related to Indian politics that I have no clue about.”

Anupam Kher who is a globally known and respected actor says it’s time for Indian entertainers to shed their bubble existence. “You can’t be up on a stage at an international event and not be prepared to answer uncomfortable questions. At the same time you have to give politically correct answers or you will get into trouble when you return home. I do my homework before I go abroad. I don’t want to be caught on the wrong foot.”