Actress Swara Bhasker issued a clarification after facing backlash for one of her latest social media posts in which she compared the reaction of the audience to Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava to the reaction of people to the Maha Kumbh stampede incident that happened on January 29.
In her initial post, Swara had criticised society for being more enraged at the "heavily embellished, partly fictionalised filmy torture of Hindus from 500 years ago" than at the real-life disaster of the stampede and the subsequent alleged mishandling of bodies. This was seen as a reference to Chhaava, starring Vicky as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
Her remarks sparked controversy, leading to criticism from various quarters. In response, on Friday (February 21), Swara issued a clarification, stating that she respects the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his contributions, especially his emphasis on social justice and respect for women.
"My tweet has generated much debate & avoidable misunderstanding. Without any doubt, I respect the brave legacy and contribution of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj... My limited point is that glorifying our history is great, but please don’t misuse the glory of the past to hide the mistakes & failures of present times," she wrote.
She further stated that historical narratives should unite rather than divide people or divert attention from pressing issues. "If my earlier tweet has hurt any sentiments, that is regretted. Like any other proud Indian, I am also proud of our history. Our history should unite us and give us strength to fight for a better and more inclusive future," she added.
As for the Maha Kumbh stampede, at least 30 people were killed and more than 60 devotees were injured at the chaotic stampede that took place in the wee hours of January 29 when lakhs of devotees gathered at the Sangam area in Prayagraj to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.
In another incident, at least 18 people died in a stampede at New Delhi railway station on February 15 after there was a sudden surge of passengers waiting to board trains to Prayagraj for the final leg of Maha Kumbh Mela.
