The recent violent mob attack on the students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has left the nation in shock, and several Bollywood celebrities have raised their voice and condemned the violence. Swara Bhasker, who is not only an actor but also an activist, has been extra vocal about this issue because it is a personal one for her. Not only is Sawra a JNU alumnus, but her parents also reside on campus as her mother is a professor at the premier university.
So naturally, when the attacks broke out in JNU, Swara posted an emotional video on her social media accounts, urging the police to control the situation and people to gather at the university as a show of support. She was also worried because she was unable to reach her parents.
However, filmmaker Raaj Shaandilyaa, who recently directed Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer Dream Girl, seemed to have some ‘thoughts’ on Swara’s videos. The director took to his Facebook account and shared a distasteful comment on Swara in Hindi, saying “Sasti cheezo pe dhyan na dein. “Swara Bhaskar” se mehenga “Dainik Bhaskar” bikta hai,” which can be translated to ‘Do not pay attention to cheap items. Dainik Bhaskar is sold at a higher price than Swara Bhaskar.’
Well, Swara being Swara, said just what was needed to address the trolling. She shared a screenshot of his message on her Twitter account and replied in Hindi, which translates to “Next time, before offering a role and sending messages requesting to share your film’s trailers, you also think again about committing ‘cheap acts’. 🙂 Good luck @writerraj sir!”
अगली बार role offer करने और आपकी फ़िल्म के trailer को share करने की request वाले messages भेजने के पहले आप भी ‘सस्ती हरकतों’ के बारे में थोड़ा सोच लेना! 🙂 Good luck @writerraj sir! 🙂 🙂 pic.twitter.com/t3KPugshfA
— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) January 7, 2020
After reading Swara’s tweet, Raaj decided to apologise. But never has there been a more insincere apology! While he said he was sorry if his comments made her uncomfortable, he also told her to ‘think before speaking’.
This is what he said, translated to English: “If you did not like my statement, I am wholeheartedly sorry. But there is a request that you should also think before you speak anything about anyone, whether it’s the country, people or a particular person… And talking about myself, I will definitely offer you a role next time as I have no objections to you being an actor…”
मेरी बात से यदि आपको ठीक नहीं लगी तो दिल से माफ़ी लेकिन एक गुज़ारिश आपसे भी है की आप भी किसीके बारे में कुछ बोलने से पहले सोचा करें चाहे वो देश हो लोग हों या फिर कोई व्यक्ति विशेष…रही बात मेरी तो अगली बार role ऑफर ज़रूर करूँगा क्यूंकि मुझे आपके एक्टर होने पे कोई आपत्ति नहीं… https://t.co/ml95Y0bVPY
— Raaj Shaandilyaa (@writerraj) January 7, 2020
Swara, again, shut him down by saying “If? Any normal decent person will have an objection on being called “sasti, bikau.” And it is you who is not thinking before speaking or typing, sir. We differ in ideology and logic, but you are making it personal. And with what right can you or me object to someone being an actor or a citizen? :)”
यदि??? ‘सस्ती, बिकाऊ’ ऐसी ओछि बातों पर एक normal शालीन इंसान को आपत्ति ही होगी! और sir बोलने और type करने से पहले आप नहीं सोच रहे! हम तो विचारधारा और तर्क पर विरोध करते हैं- personal आप हो रहे हैं। और आप या मैं किसी के actor या नागरिक भी होने पर किस हक़ से आपत्ति जता सकते हैं? 🙂 https://t.co/yHN7xJcfDj
— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) January 7, 2020
The actor was also among the select few from Bollywood who joined the protest condemning the JNU attack at Gateway of India in Mumbai yesterday.
Good on you, Swara, for speaking up for yourself!
Featured Image: Instagram
