When JNU students were protesting against the outbreak they suffered 3 days ago, they were in for a surprise as Deepika Padukone paid a visit to their campus to provide more power to them. Deepika was in the National Capital for promoting her upcoming film ‘Chhapaak’ and made sure that she visit JNU campus to provide support to the crime inflicted students and teachers.
She entered the campus at around 7:40 in the evening and attended a public meeting which was called by the JNU teacher’s association and JNUSU in response to the attack on students and teachers by a masked mob armed with sticks and rods. Deepika stood as former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar was raising azaadi slogans and left by the time current president Aishe Ghosh started speaking, without making any grand statements on the issue.
When this news broke out, people on Twitter started taking sides with hashtags like #ISupportDeepika and #BoycottChhapaak trending. There was mixed reaction to Deepika’s act as one section praised Deepika for taking a stand and showing solidarity with the students, others criticized and asked for her film to be boycotted.
Famous Bollywood Director, Nikkhil Advani twweted, “As producer today @deepikapadukone would’ve been standing in the preview theatres in Mumbai waiting to hear praise being showered on her maiden production. She instead chose to stand in solidarity with #JNUstudents knowing fully well the ramifications of her actions. #RESPECT”
Actress Bhumi Pednekar tweeted, “More power to you @deepikapadukone ?? Can’t wait to watch #Chappak tonight. United we stand ?? ??”
Another bollywood actress, Sonakshi Sinha, praised Deepika by tweeting, “No matter which political party you support,do u support violence?Don’t visuals of bleeding students and teachers shake you up?We can’t sit on the fence any longer.Kudos to @deepikapadukone for showing up,& all those who spoke for speaking up.This is not the time to stay quiet.”
Indian film maker Vikramaditya Motwane tweeted, “Deepika’s stand is going to make a lot of young people question their parents, their peers and their government. Hopefully they’ll go out and educate themselves. And not parrot everything authority tells them. She’s a true hero.”
Famous film maker Anurag Kashyap was also quick to praise Deepika for her courage, “Let’s not forget she is also the producer of the films .. stakes are even higher . Mad respect for @deepikapadukone”
Film director, Rakesh Sharma’s tweet also attracted attention, “Perhaps this will provide courage to Bollywood’s male superstars as well? With @deepikapadukone setting an example, it is time for the macho men to discover a spine. And a voice.
Every sane Indian condemns #JNUattack by masked goon-cadres, aided by Delhi Police. Why don’t you?”
