“Paid?”: After Reposting Modi Video, Shah Rukh Khan Trolled For Silence On Manmohan Singh’s Death
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks during the 117th episode of Mann Ki Baat praised India’s film and entertainment industry for its contribution to the nation’s economy and its cultural integration under the theme of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.” Modi announced the upcoming World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES), set to be held in India, as a platform for showcasing the country’s creative talent to a global audience. He encouraged participation from all sectors of the entertainment industry, highlighting its role in driving India towards its $5 trillion economy goal.
Following this, Modi shared a video of his address on social media, prompting several Bollywood celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, to reshare the post. Khan expressed enthusiasm for the WAVES summit, calling it an event that would celebrate the industry’s creativity and its contributions to India’s soft power and economy.
However, Khan’s repost triggered a wave of criticism on social media due to his silence on the recent death of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Dr Singh, a highly respected statesman and architect of India’s economic reforms in 1991, died on December 26, 2024. His death prompted widespread mourning across political and public spheres, but the absence of tributes from prominent figures in the entertainment industry, including Khan, sparked outrage among netizens.
It is with great anticipation that I look forward to WAVES – a film and entertainment world summit – to be held in our country itself. An occasion that celebrates our industry and acknowledges the role it plays in the Indian economy as well as its strength as a soft power… and… https://t.co/QE52Rs11NZ
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) December 30, 2024
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee had earlier openly criticised celebrities for their lack of acknowledgment of Singh’s contributions. Banerjee accused such figures of indifference and questioned whether their silence stemmed from fear of government backlash or a detachment from the issues facing ordinary Indians. His statement referenced their earlier silence during significant events like the farmers’ protests and the crisis in Manipur.
Khan’s silence became a focal point for online users, with many accusing him of prioritising Modi’s initiative over paying respects to Singh. Comments on X ranged from disappointment to outright condemnation. Users questioned Khan’s integrity, accusing him of being complicit in government propaganda and ignoring Singh’s legacy.
Some comments expressed shock, saying, “You too, Brutus?” Others criticised him for choosing to repost Modi’s video while neglecting to share a condolence message for Singh. Several posts highlighted Singh’s monumental contributions to India, including economic reforms and pro-people initiatives like MGNREGA, the Right to Information Act, and Aadhaar.
“No tweets for our Late Dr Manmohan Singh?,” asked a user.
“Did you pay tribute to Manmohan Singh Ji? Do you dare discuss the growth of the Indian economy and film industry without acknowledging his contribution? He is the great son of Mother India who led us out of multiple crises,” stated another user.
Another user said: “God should have given me death rather than seeing these days.. You did not tweet even once for Manmohan Singh… and here you are campaigning for Modi ji..”
One user expressed his disappointment: “Never expected from you, quoted Modi but didn’t tweet for Dr Manmohan Singh”
“Shame on You Shah Rukh Khan… Could never believe I would use these words for you ever, how much people used to expect you to speak out in the past , understanding your compulsion, of not speaking against the divisive politics of the Modi Government, as the many people of industry’s livelihood depends on you. Now also, seeing you , along the fleet of other Actors , you people being tasked to write in praise for Modi’s “so called” initiative, after all he is the PM of India. But by not writing a Single line of Condolences for our Former PM of India Dr Manmohan Singh ji, Man ….you are Really disappointed us… How could you be so weak,” asked another angry fan.
“Not a single tweet on Former PM Manmohan Singh’s condolence, but a tweet on Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’?,” asked another.
On user quoted a past tweet of Shah Rukh Khan: “Sometimes u have do things according to the circumstances even though its not in ur nature.”
A few users defended Khan, arguing that celebrities are not obligated to comment on political events or national issues. Others lamented the pressures faced by public figures in balancing personal views with public expectations, pointing to the intense scrutiny and backlash they face for their actions or omissions.
