Farmer protests: Bollywood wades in after Rihanna, Greta Thunberg comments

After weeks of silence, several veteran Bollywood stars have decided to speak out on the farmers’ protests as Barbadian singer Rihanna (pictured) and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg speak out in support of the movement using the hashtags, #IndiaTogether #IndiaAgainstPropaganda

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar retweeted a statement out on the timeline of the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, India, which states ‘vested interest groups are trying to force their agenda on these protests, and derail them’. Kumar tweeted: “Farmers constitute an extremely important part of our country. And the efforts being undertaken to resolve their issues are evident. Let’s support an amicable resolution, rather than paying attention to anyone creating differences.”

Ajay Devgn also took to Twitter to stand for India. “Don’t fall for any false propaganda against India or Indian policies. Its important to stand united at this hour w/o any infighting [sic].”

Actor-producer Suniel Shetty tweeted: “We must always take a comprehensive view of things, as there is nothing more dangerous than half truth.”

Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar has also taken to social media to say: "We live in turbulent times and the need of the hour is prudence and patience at every turn. Let us together, make every effort we can to find solutions that work for everyone—our farmers are the backbone of India. Let us not let anyone divide us."

Teen climate activist Thunberg was one of several members from the international community that has stepped forward to support the farmers protesting against the new agricultural laws, which they fear will lead to the government abandoning the minimum support price system and an increasing corporatisation of Indian agriculture. Thunberg earlier took to Twitter to post: “We stand in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India,” while retweeting a CNN story on the movement.

Singer Rihanna was among the first international high profile names to do the same, posting the same story on her social media, while writing: “Why aren’t we talking about this?! #FarmersProtest?

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut called Rihanna out on her tweet, by posting one of her own saying: “No one is talking about it because they are not farmers they are terrorists who are trying to divide India… Sit down you fool, we are not selling our nation like you dummies.” Ranaut also took a swipe at Thunberg a “dumb and a spoilt brat who is being used by entire left lobby and in return she gets to skip her education and school.”

Rihanna, meanwhile, has found some support in Bollywood with Taapsee Pannu retweeting the singer and British Vogue to step in solidarity for the farmers.

Talk show host and YouTuber Lilly Singh also waded into the protests, posting: “Yes! Thank you so much @rihanna. This is a humanity issue! #IStandWithFarmers and this narrative is TIRED.”

Actress-model Shibani Dandekar also presented her support to Rihanna’s tweet as she shared it on Instagram stories and wrote, "THIS!!!."

Richa Chadha also reacted to Rihanna’s tweet with a heart, while replying “Yes” to Thunberg’s tweet.