In the beginning of 2020, we woke up to the shocking incident when a group of masked goons illegally trespassed into the premises of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and started beating up the students and teachers.
Swara Bhasker was amongst the first ones to take a strong stand against all that happened through a video on social media. The actress who’s always been vocal and forthcoming about burning issues speaks exclusively with SpotboyE.com about CAA, the protests and also several Bollywood celebs especially Deepika lending their support.
You have been quite vociferous against CAA…
The CAA is a hugely discriminated law. I think that it's anti-constitutional, it's against the spirit of India, it's against the spirit of our constitution and I think that along with the NRC and NPR, it is a bureaucratic disaster for the people of India. The way in which the whole project of the CAA, NRC, NPR renders every single Indian vulnerable is so unethical and immoral. I have been very actively part of the protests. I'm glad that people are standing up for their rights.
Several Bollywood people have come out in support and taken a stand, but there are also those who say that your fraternity has not fully come forward. What’s your take on that?
I always say that Bollywood is not a monolith. It is an industry made up of different individuals and they will have their own opinions which is fine. I mean, we are the land of the argumentative Indian. We love differences of opinion, we love arguing and that's fine. I think it's a free country, still. And I think everyone has a right to their opinion. So if there is someone who disagrees on the CAA, for example, my stand on the CAA or any other point then sure. I mean if the opportunity occurs, then one can have a conversation with them and ask them what’s the deal. But otherwise, go ahead. I think to me, Bollywood is not important in the sense that at this moment.
You mean to say that the faces don't count?
They count for sure, they bring their own credibility, their own fans, they attract attention of their fans. I think it was extremely brave of Deepika to lend her support to the JNU students. It was very courageous and I salute her for that. I salute all the other people who have spoken out as well. But what I have noticed is that when Bollywood realises there is a wave of popular opinion, then people feel more emboldened to speak up. So I think that this moment belongs to the students, the protestors, the peacefully protesting citizens of India, to the women of the numerous Shaheen Baghs that have sprung up all over India. This is really their moment, for me.
So you're saying let's not digress why this one is not speaking...
Yeah I mean jo nahin bol rahe tum unhe chhodo na, itne log bol rahe hain. Matlab laakhon log bol rahe hai India mein; they are all on the streets. Let's talk about them and of course the other people who are lending their support, we thank them for their support.
Did you reach out to Deepika?
Yeah, I met her at the Chhapaak trailer launch. A lot of JNU students had called me and said 'Please thank her'. So, the first thing I told her was ‘Thank you so much for going to JNU’.
Immediately, there were reports that she is losing out on brand endorsements…
Let me clarify. I think that there is no comparison between Deepika and me because Deepika is a way bigger star. I would arguably say that today, she is India's biggest female star and I think any brand that drops Deepika would be foolish. It would be the most unwise marketing decision on the part of the brand. You would only make your brand seem weak and stupid and Deepika would only come out stronger even from that. So I'd be shocked if a brand dropped her I'd say they then don't know their job as marketing and branding people. I hope that will not happen to Deepika at all. She brings an insane amount of credibility and talent to whatever she is doing. And I can't imagine anyone who would want to lose that over a difference in political opinion. Also, we don't know but a lot of people silently support us. I have met so many people who have thanked me, whenever they have seen me.
Read lots more about this interaction on SpotboyE.com. We shall bring it to you, soon.
Image Source:- instagram/reallyswara/deepikapadukone/deccanherald
Read lots more about this interaction on SpotboyE.com. We shall bring it to you, soon.
Image Source:- instagram/reallyswara/deepikapadukone/deccanherald