By Anil Merani: Forcing Bollywood celebrities to comment on an Indo-Pak conflict is neither fair nor productive, as it places them in a situation that is far removed from their expertise. Actors, directors, and other figures in the industry are primarily entertainers, skilled in storytelling, performance, and cultural expression, rather than in geopolitics, military strategy, or international relations. Expecting them to provide insightful or authoritative opinions on complex, high-stakes conflicts is unrealistic and often leads to more harm than good. Their silence on such matters is often a strategic decision, reflecting an awareness of the volatile public and media landscape, rather than apathy or ignorance. This silence is a thoughtful choice, not an indication of a lack of concern.
The Indo-Pak conflict is a deeply sensitive issue, filled with historical, political, and emotional complexities. Any statement from a high-profile figure, particularly in a polarized environment, risks being misconstrued, sensationalized, or weaponized. A poorly worded comment could escalate tensions, alienate audiences, or be exploited as propaganda by either side. Even a well-intentioned remark might be examined for hidden agendas, turning a celebrity’s words into fodder for media debates or social media outrage. Bollywood stars, with their massive followings, are particularly vulnerable to this, often finding themselves in a no-win situation. Their statements can overshadow substantive discussions led by experts and policymakers, reducing a serious issue to mere celebrity gossip.
Furthermore, Bollywood’s role has always been to reflect society’s aspirations, struggles, and emotions through art. It is not their responsibility to dictate political or military outcomes. Pressuring stars to speak out disregards their professional boundaries and puts them in a challenging position. If they comment, they risk backlash; if they remain silent, they face accusations of being unpatriotic or detached. This pressure often arises from the public’s tendency to idolize celebrities as all-knowing figures, ignoring their human limitations. Unlike politicians or analysts, whose jobs involve public discourse on such matters, celebrities often lack the training or access to classified information necessary for meaningful contributions.
In this context, silence is a pragmatic choice that allows more qualified voices—diplomats, scholars, or military experts—to lead the conversation. It also helps prevent the trivialization of war into a pop-culture narrative. While Bollywood’s influence is undeniable, its power lies in uniting audiences through shared stories. Demanding input from celebrities runs the risk of diluting the gravity of the issue and turning it into a spectacle, which serves neither the public nor the cause of peace.
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