Former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria has stirred controversy after publicly criticising Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan's recent performance in the USA. Taking to social media, Kaneria alleged that Hrithik performed at an event attended by individuals linked to extremist and Khalistani groups, who are reportedly blacklisted by the Indian government.
Kaneria further claimed that during the event, a "beef party" was held and Hindu deities were "blatantly disrespected," sparking outrage among sections of the community. He also raised concerns about renowned Indian singer Shaan, who is reportedly scheduled to perform with the same group next month.
Sharing his concerns about Hrithik's show, Kaneria wrote on X, "He performed alongside extremists and Khalistanis blacklisted by the Indian Government. A beef party was held, and Hindu deities were blatantly disrespected. Singer Shaan is scheduled to perform with the same group next month. I urge the @HMOIndia to take strict action."
There has been no official response yet from Hrithik, Shaan, or their representatives regarding Kaneria’s claims.
Kaneria, who is a Hindu and an ethnic Gujarati, is only the second Hindu and seventh non-Muslim to represent Pakistan at the international level, breaking cultural barriers.
Hrithik's US tour disappoints fans
Earlier this month, several people called out the organisers of Hrithik's US tour for poor management. Some claimed that despite paying over Rs 1.2 lakh (approximately $1,500 per person, plus general admission) for a meet-and-greet with the actor, they were unable to get photos with him.
The actor also faced the ire of netizens after visuals of beef and alcohol being sold at the venue went viral. The event, titled Rangotsav, was held in Houston on the occasion of Ram Navami, and was attended by the actor.
On April 10, columnist Vivek Bansal took to his X handle to share photos and videos from the venue, and in one of them, beef samosas can be seen being a part of the event's food menu. In a video, fans at the event could be seen buying and consuming what he claimed was alcohol. All this while, songs and bhajans for Lord Ram played in the background.
"It is nothing short of outrageous that on the sacred occasion of Sri Ram Navami, Hrithik Roshan’s shows in the U.S. reportedly featured liquor-fueled gatherings and even a beef party—disgracefully masked as Holi celebrations (sic)," Bansal wrote.
