Bollywood stars react to farmers protests in India

As the rally against agriculture reforms in India turned violent on India’s Republic Day on January 26, celebrities from Bollywood such as Taapsee Pannu continue to voice their opinions a day later.

On Tuesday, farmers who were protesting reportedly broke through police barricades to storm Delhi’s Red Fort, resulting in clashes between police and the protesters. In the last few weeks, thousands of farmers have been taking to the streets in Delhi to protest against the reforms put forward by the ruling government. The rally turned violent during the Indian Republic Day celebrations in Delhi, prompting many actors from Bollywood to speak up. Although Bollywood A-listers continue to distance themselves from commenting on current affairs, the usual suspects such as Swara Bhasker have voiced their opinions. Here’s a look at their thoughts on Twitter ...

Taapsee Pannu: The ‘Thappad’ actress posted two contrasting piece of news about farmers protests published by news channel NDTV. On one hand, there was a snapshot of a news report on how people were garlanding farmers as a mark of their respect, the other was a news report chronicling the police’s attempts to tackle the farmers through aggression as the protests turned violent. The contrasting images — which relayed polarising news — caught Pannu’s interest. Her tweet was a sobering one. “These two news items back to back on my time line explains so much about the state of affairs in our country.”

Kangana Ranaut: The Indian National Award-winning actress posted a video expressing her disappointment at the farmers’ protests turning violent and lamenting about how her country has become a joke among foreigners. The actress, who is known for her pro-establishment stand, also tweeted: “Sick and tired of riots and blood bath almost every month, Delhi, Bangalore and now again Delhi.”

Vishal Dadlani: The composer urged everyone to tread the path of nonviolence. “Violence by either side is unacceptable. Especially when we’re meant to be on the same side.” He also added: “Does it make sense to you? Farmers who have protested peacefully for so many months, even in the face of police violence, suddenly turned violent today? Just doesn’t compute. Plus, we have seen those in power do this before. Typical play: send violent stooges, discredit movement.”

Ranvir Shorey: The actor, who is known for his provocative tweets, posted several messages on his account condemning the violence on display: “Farmers have only the right to protest peacefully, not vandalising and violence. This elected govt. has the right to legislate reform.”

Celina Jaitly: Jaitly expressed her disappointment at the violent turn on Indian Republic Day. She tweeted: “Jai Jawaan, Disappointed in our kisaans [farmers]. They brought shame to our great nation on our 72nd #RepublicDay. Their insinuators ruined our tricolours proud moment to celebrate the glory of the worlds largest democratic constitution & the brave hearts of our nation.”

Gul Panag: Actress Gul Panag, who had earlier joined the farmers’ protests, was disappointed with the turn of events. She tweeted: “Undesirable turn of events.I have supported this peaceful protest from day one, however this violent turn is condemnable. And, on this sacred day, only the Tricolour should fly aloft the Red Fort.”

Manoj Joshi: Actor Joshi labelled the attack on the ‘protectors of the Constitution and Law’ as a wound on the country’s unity. He tweeted: “The well-planned conspiracy to burn the capital on Republic Day is shameful,” he wrote , while seeking the ‘real faces of traitors be exposed by the media and administration.”

Swara Bhasker: Bhasker, who has been tweeting relentlessly about her support for farmers, urged every farmer not to panic and to follow the route. She also tweeted not to resort to any kind of violence, no matter what the provocation.