The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs officially notifies the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) across the nation. This development, however, reignites the longstanding debate within Bollywood, showcasing a clear divide among its luminaries regarding the controversial legislation in the past.
What Is Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)?
Today, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued notifications regarding the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), clearing the path for its nationwide implementation.
The legislation enables Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Christian, and Parsi refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014, to attain Indian citizenship, provided they have resided in India for a minimum of six years.
Bollywood That Opposed Citizenship Amendment Act
In the past, Bollywood witnessed a wave of dissent against the CAA, with several prominent figures voicing their opposition. Notably, Bollywood A-lister Deepika Padukone didn’t directly went against CAA but took a bold stand by visiting Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to express solidarity with students amidst ongoing protests against the legislation. Padukone’s actions resonated with fellow industry members such as filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, actors Swara Bhasker, Taapsee Pannu, and Richa Chadha, among others, who actively participated in protests and voiced their concerns regarding the CAA’s implications.
It absolutely is! All our multiple identies can & should coexist.. It’s just that IMHO as strategy it’s important to remind everyone that the NRC-NPR is going to harm everyone because stressing on the Hindu-Muslim aspect only helps the right wing narrative. They want polarisation https://t.co/RTMpStfvbx
— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) January 8, 2020
Bollywood That Supported Citizenship Amendment Act
On the other hand, there were Bollywood personalities who openly supported the CAA. Figures like Paresh Rawal and Juhi Chawla lent their endorsement to the legislation, emphasizing its inclusive nature and benefits for persecuted minorities. This viewpoint found resonance in gatherings hosted by government officials, where Bollywood heavyweights such as Prasoon Joshi and Ranvir Shorey expressed their alignment with the government’s stance on the CAA.
Sardar Patel had Unified India and @narendramodi Will Never Let it Disintegrate.
— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) December 19, 2019
The Silence of Titans
Amidst the noise of opinions, the silence of Bollywood titans like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan remained conspicuous. Despite their profound influence, they chose to remain aloof from the controversial discourse surrounding the CAA. Their silence reflected a cautious approach, perhaps driven by the complexities of their public image and the potential ramifications of taking a definitive stand.
Reflecting on Bollywood’s past stances on the CAA provides valuable insight into the industry’s role in shaping public discourse and navigating complex socio-political issues.
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