By Arré Bench Jun. 03, 2020
#MigrantLivesMatter, #MinorityLivesMatter, #PoorLivesMatter, posted Abhay Deol on Instagram. Not the one to mince words, he called out Bollywood and middle-class India for not taking a stand on matters that affect the country.
Last week, the US erupted into nationwide protests over the killing of George Floyd, an African-American man, while in police custody. #BlackLivesMatter re-entered the discourse and some stars in Bollywood felt like they had to chime in. The same celebrities who’ve remained largely mum throughout the migrant crisis unfolding in India for two months now, who did not speak up during the anti-CAA protests, who’ve turned a blind eye while minorities in India have faced discrimination.
#BlackOutTuesday pic.twitter.com/foN7I9mYpQ
— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) June 2, 2020
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by disha patani (paatni) (@dishapatani) on
The irony of these film stars, speaking up in support of minorities in a country that’s on the other side of the globe was not lost on one member of their fraternity, Abhay Deol.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Abhay Deol (@abhaydeol) on
The actor called out the celebrities who had hopped on to the #BlackLivesMatter bandwagon by reminding them of issues more specific to their own country, posting #MigrantLivesMatter, #MinorityLivesMatter, and #PoorLivesMatter on Instagram. “Maybe it’s time for these now? Now that “woke” Indian celebrities and the middle class stand in solidarity with fighting systemic racism in America, perhaps they’d see how it manifests in their own backyard?” he wrote in the post’s caption.
"Now that ‘woke’ Indian celebrities and the middle class stand in solidarity with fighting systemic racism in America, perhaps they’d see how it manifests in their own backyard?," wrote #AbhayDeolhttps://t.co/y73yHqzE1V
— Firstpost (@firstpost) June 3, 2020
Deol displayed a sensitivity and awareness of the ground realities that the others lacked, even though their hearts may have been in the right place while supporting the #BlackLivesMatter movement. It’s not the first time he’s come across as having a firm grasp on the underlying discrimination that runs through Indian society – he also called out his colleagues for endorsing fairness creams back in 2017. This time as well, his stand has attracted praise from many corners.
Yes, solidarity begins at home. Thank you @AbhayDeol for stating the obvious!https://t.co/cf8zW0Ufcp
— Umar Khalid (@UmarKhalidJNU) June 3, 2020
While many would call out the Bollywood celebrities lending their voices to the protests in the US hypocrites for their silence on issues within India, the same charge can clearly not be levelled at Deol. That he chose to raise his voice for communities suffering in India, which is ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party at the Centre, even while uncle Dharmendra and cousin Sunny Deol are members of the party is noteworthy.
Always knew Abhay Deol was the superior Deol.
— Eeyore (@nostalgianausea) June 3, 2020
Twitter of course fell in love with the actor all over again.
The one and only @AbhayDeol! pic.twitter.com/dgbzGFgF7E
— V (@ivivek_nambiar) June 3, 2020
ABHAY DEOL GETS IT. https://t.co/OlSm8eJRDM
— No (@Bluemagicboxes) June 3, 2020
Bollywood stars in India are rarely known for taking strong stands on social issues. In Abhay Deol, it’s great to see one who bucks that trend.
Related Content
Bollywood Another Win for India’s Intolerant. Akshay Kumar’s Laxmmi Bomb is Now Laxmii
The title of Akshay Kumar’s upcoming film Laxmmi Bomb has now been changed to Laxmii after several fringe right-wing outfits alleged it hurt religious sentiments and was an insult to the goddess. Was the name change really necessary?
Add to listBollywood #AskSRK Proves Why King Khan Will Remain Our Eternal Crush
Shah Rukh Khan took on some tough questions during the #AskSRK Twitter session. If there’s one thing that comes naturally to Shah Rukh Khan, it is being witty and engaging with his fans. We’ve seen it over the years in hilarious interviews and award shows.
Add to listBollywood This Tanzanian Comedian Recreated the Rahul-Anjali Reuniting Scene from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Nailed It
Indians are stoked by this videshi recreation of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. What do you think of Tanzanian Rahul and Anjali?
Add to listBollywood No Drugs at “KJo Party Video”, Say FSL Investigators. Are Bollywood’s Woes Finally Over?
After months of irresponsible speculation by the media, the infamous viral video of Karan Johar’s so-called drug party has been given a clean chit by Forensic Science Laboratory investigators. Was the public too quick to pass judgement?
Add to listBollywood 25 Years of DDLJ: Come… Fall in Love With a Tale of Two Fathers
Aditya Chopra’s Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, which turns 25 today, was as formulaic as any of its romantic predecessors. For most of India, it is a love story, but for many small-towners like me it was and remains the story of two fatherly figures: One that I had but could not change, and the one that I wished for.
Add to listYour weekly dose of Arré
Get the best from arre.co.in, straight to your inbox!
Comments