(Image source from: Is Narendra Modi dividing Bollywood?})
The Modi wave hasn't just split the nation into two sides - people for and against him - but has also caused a crack in the film industry, forcing the otherwise non-committal Bollywood to take a political stand.
Yes, you heard that right! Bollywood is torn between pro-Modi and anti-Modi sentiments with some prominent actors, directors and scriptwriters urging Indian voters not to ride the Modi wave without thought and opt for a secular party.
In an open letter signed by sixty film personalities including noted ones like Mahesh Bhatt, Imtiaz Ali, Vishal Nandita Das, Govind Nihalani, Saeed Mirza, Bhardwaj, Zoya Akhtar, Nandita Das, Kabir Khan, Shubha Mudgal,and Aditi Rao Hydari, has appealed the nation to preserve the secular foundation of the country which they deem as the need of the hour.
The letter addressed to Indians reads: "The best thing about our country is its cultural diversity, its pluralism - the co-existence of a number of religions and ethnicities over centuries, and hence the blooming of multiple streams of intellectual and artistic thought. And, this has been possible only because Indian society has prided itself on being essentially secular in character, rejecting communal hatred, embracing tolerance.
Today, that very sense of India is vulnerable. The need of the hour is to protect our country's secular foundation. Undoubtedly, corruption and governance are important issues, but we will have to vigilantly work out ways of holding our government accountable to that. However, one thing is clear: India's secular character is not negotiable! Not now, not ever.
As Indian citizens who love our motherland, we appeal to you to vote for the secular party, which is most likely to win in your constituency."
Actor-Director Nandita Das say that the appeal isn't just a call to vote against Narendra Modi, but all other parties who are trying to divvy up the nation on communal lines.
Then there is another section of Bollywood who are championing for Modi.
Director Madhur Bhandarkar tweeted, "Shocking to see some colleagues, under garb of stopping so-called divisive forces, are themselves dividing a secular place like Bollywood.”
Actor Tusshar Kapoor also took to Twitter and said: "To cover up for corruption & bad governance, the 'secular' card is being stretched a bit too far! No party can claim the secular prize!".
Eminent Bollywood personalities like Lata Mangeshkar, Anupam Kher, Vivek Oberoi have raised their voice in defense of Narendra Modi.
AW: Suchorita Choudhury
