By Anil Merani: Bollywood actors have shown remarkable courage in expressing their support for the nation during the recent tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following the 2025 Pahalgam attack, India’s Operation Sindoor. Stars such as Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Ritiesh Deshmukh, and Kangana Ranaut have taken to X to express their solidarity with the Indian armed forces and endorse the government’s actions. For instance, posts on X highlight Kumar and Shetty praising Operation Sindoor as a move to”rd “zero tolerance, total just”ce,” whDeshmukh”‘s “Jai Hind Ki Sena… Bharat Mata Ki”Jai” resonates with patriotic fervour. This public support, often shared via the NaMo app, aims to galvanise national unity during a crisis.
Historically, Bollywood actors have been cautious about taking political stances due to career risks and a polarised audience. However, the current wave of outspoken patriotism appears to be fueled by a combination of genuine sentiment, public pressure, and the tense atmosphere surrounding the standoff. Heightened emotions and nationalistic sentiments characterise this situation. The trend of actors expressing solidarity isn’t entirely new; Adnan Sami faced backlash in 2016 for supporting India’s surgical strikes, illustrating how actors can get caught in the crossfire.
Some users on X criticise this phenomenon as” ad” with one post sarcastically not “Bollywood’s “ion for likes by cheering military actions, suggesting a form of performative patriotism. Others point out the silence of Indian actors compared to Pakistani stars like Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan, who have openly supported their country, sparking debates about loyalty and hypocrisy.
This shift in behaviour reflects a broader cultural moment where social media amplifies celebrity influence, and nationalist fervour pushes actors to publicly align with the flag. While this trend can rally public morale, it also risks oversimplifying complex issues and fueling jingoism, especially when media outlets amplify aggressive rhetoric. This should be a cause for concern, as it can lead to a dangerous simplification of the situation. Whether this wave of patriotism is a fad or a lasting change, it responds to a volatile moment where neutrality seems increasingly impractical.
