"Not Bollywood But Urduwood": #BoycottBollywood Trending Again After Stars Join All Eyes On Rafah Campaign
#BoycottBollywood is trending on social media platform for yet another time. This time the reason is entirely different. Since the Indian celebrities collectively voiced their support for Palestine, by joining the All Eyes On Rafah trend on social media, the Boycott Bollywood started trending against the stars” solidarity with West Asian state.
Reportedly, the boycott trend has been believed to be set by pro-Sangh Parivar handles and are getting stronger. The campaign against the stars said that its not Bollywood, but ‘Urduwood’. One social media user alleged that, “Urduwood can”t be ignored like that… they have the responsibility to answer. Communists and mujahids who influence innocent minds should be wiped out using this ecosystem. They are working with anti-Islamic and anti-Hindu agenda”.
The boycott trend has caught the attention of Pooja Bhatt, director and actor. She sharply criticised the trend, and said that “And it begins YET again!”. Taking to X (formerly twitter), Pooja said the entertainment industry pays the price of speaking up collectively against the atrocities in Palestine. The star also included the hashtag ‘All Eyes On Rafah’.
And it begins YET again! The price the entertainment Industry pays for speaking up collectively for the atrocities being committed in Palestine. #AlleyesonRafah pic.twitter.com/w5Q5yAkj3p
— Pooja Bhatt (@PoojaB1972) May 29, 2024
Reposting the same note, she added that, “as does the gaslighting in the comments. So predictable. So bereft of any iota of imagination”.
Since Israel has intensified its attack on Rafah, international protest against the move has also increased. The All Eyes On Rafah trend has been circulating on social media platforms massively. The May 26th massacre has made those silent joint the trend. Indian celebrities also joined the trend, with Dulquer Salman joining first. This is the first time Indian celebrities has raised their voice in the Palestinians issue.
The “Boycott Bollywood” trend, which is primarily driven by the right-wing ecosystem on Indian social media platforms, calls for boycotting Hindi films and the film industry due to the stances stars take (or in some cases, the stances they don”t take, as determined by the proponents of this trend).
