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Bollywood luminaries such as Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Kartik Aryan, Shraddha Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, among others, took to their social media platforms to highlight the stunning beauty of Lakshadweep and express their outrage and disappointment over derogatory remarks made by Maldives Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Mariyam Shiuna, against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
NEW DELHI: Prominent celebrities, both from Bollywood and the sports world, have actively engaged in the discussion surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, which triggered mockery from Maldivian political leaders, sparking a controversy. A wave of support and appreciation for Lakshadweep’s pristine beauty flooded social media, with several renowned personalities contributing their voices to the discourse for #ExploreIndianIslands.
Bollywood luminaries such as Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Kartik Aryan, Shraddha Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, among others, took to their social media platforms to highlight the stunning beauty of Lakshadweep and express their outrage and disappointment over derogatory remarks made by Maldives Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Mariyam Shiuna, against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Akshay Kumar: Bollywood’s Khiladi, Akshay Kumar shared screenshots of Maldivian leaders’ remarks, calling it “unprovoked hate.” In a strongly-worded post, Akshay Kumar expressed surprise at the hostile attitude coming from a nation that receives a significant influx of Indian tourists. He questioned the need for India to tolerate such disrespect, especially considering the substantial number of visitors the country sends to the Maldives. Taking to ‘X’, he wrote, “I’ve visited the Maldives many times and always praised it, but dignity first.” He concluded his message with the hashtag #ExploreIndianIslands, encouraging people to embrace domestic tourism.
Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists.
We are good to our neighbors but
why should we tolerate such… pic.twitter.com/DXRqkQFguN— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 7, 2024
Kangana Ranaut: Actress and activist Kangana Ranaut, took a strong stand against the derogatory comment on Indian tourism made by Maldivian ministers, in a X post on Sunday, actress expressed her disbelief and condemnation. She reshared the tweet by the Maldivian politician and penned a lengthy note, specifically addressing his remarks about Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep. Ranaut criticised the politician, saying, “Smell?? Permanent smell?? What!!! Suffering from massive Muslim phobia, even though belonging to the same community. Lakshadweep consists of 98 percent of the Muslim population, and this prominent public figure from Maldives calling them smelly and lowly is rather racist and uninformed.”
Smell?? Permanent smell?? What!!! Suffering from massive Muslim phobia, even though belonging to the same community. Lakshadweep consists of 98 percent of Muslim population, this prominent public figure from Maldives calling them smelly and lowly is rather racist and uninformed.… pic.twitter.com/hLbQvD5RYD
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) January 7, 2024
Salman Khan: Bollywood superstar Salman khan praised PM’s presence at the beautiful beaches of Lakshadweep, on X he wrote, “It is so cool to see our Hon PM Narendrabhai Modi at the beautiful clean n stunning beaches of Lakshadweep, and the best part is that yeh hamare India mein hain.”
It is so cool to see our Hon PM Narendrabhai Modi at the beautiful clean n stunning beaches of Lakshadweep, and the best part is that yeh hamare India mein hain.
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) January 7, 2024
All these images and memes making me super FOMO now 😍
Lakshadweep has such pristine beaches and coastlines, thriving local culture, I’m on the verge of booking an impulse chhutti ❤️
This year, why not #ExploreIndianIslands pic.twitter.com/fTWmZTycpO— Shraddha (@ShraddhaKapoor) January 7, 2024
Kartik Aryan: Similarly, ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama’ actor, Kartik Aryan posted the same picturesque image on his X account, emphasising that the tag “Incredible India” is not just a label. He wrote, “our beautiful country has some of the most incredible and stunning locales and #Lakshadweep is an example of it- a heaven like place in India itself! Can’t wait to explore this beautiful Indian island. #ExploreIndianIslands.”
Incredible India is not just a tag, our beautiful country has some of the most incredible and stunning locales and #Lakshadweep is an example of it- a heaven like place in India itself! Can’t wait to explore this beautiful Indian island. #ExploreIndianIslands pic.twitter.com/Z16hxG0fOo
— Kartik Aaryan (@TheAaryanKartik) January 7, 2024
Varun Dhawan: Actor Varun Dhawan expressed his admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he shared, “Seeing our honourable Prime Minister @narendramodi sir at the beaches in Lakshadweep makes me realise I’ve been missing out on our pristine beaches and water. Can’t wait to book my next holiday #ExploreIndianIslands.”
Seeing our honourable prime minister @narendramodi sir at the beaches in Lakshadweep makes me realise Iv been missing out on our pristine beaches and water
Can’t wait to book my next holiday #ExploreIndianIslands pic.twitter.com/DRXP7ZLMBd— VarunDhawan (@Varun_dvn) January 7, 2024
John Abraham: Actor John Abraham, echoing the spirit of “Atithi Devo Bhava” extolled the allure of Lakshadweep as the ultimate destination. In a swift response to the Maldives row, he shared stunning pictures of Lakshadweep’s pristine beaches, labeling it as the go-to place. With an emphasis on the region’s vast marine life and warm hospitality, John wrote on ‘X’, “With the amazing Indian hospitality, the idea of “Atithi Devo Bhava” and a vast marine life to explore. Lakshadweep is the place to go.”, with the hashtag #exploreindianislands.
With the amazing Indian hospitality, the idea of “Atithi Devo Bhava” and a vast marine life to explore. Lakshwadeep is the place to go.#exploreindianislands pic.twitter.com/CA1d9r0QZ5
— John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) January 7, 2024
Kailash Kher: Kailash Kher, known for his soulful voice, took to ‘X’ to emphasise the beauty of “Lakshadweep, a group of islands belonging to India.” In the shared video, Kher reminisced about his experience during a concert with his band Kailasa in Lakshadweep, highlighting the enchanting allure of the islands. The singer expressed his gratitude to PM Modi stating, “Thanks to our respected PM Shri @narendramodi ji, your auspicious feet fell, India is truly awakening due to your good words, people are now understanding Indian tourism and the specialty of our country. @incredibleindia ॐ”
लक्ष्यद्वीप भारत का ऐसा द्वीप समूह है, जो दुनिया के किसी भी द्वीप से कम नहीं,कुछ साल पहले जब हम गये थे कैलासा @bandkailasa कॉन्सर्ट करने, भारत के पास सब कुछ है,
धन्यवाद हमारे आदरणीय पीएम श्री @narendramodi जी, आपके शुभ चरण पड़े, आपके शुभ वचन से भारत सच में जाग रहा, जन मानस… pic.twitter.com/AgwZWXFEei— Kailash Kher (@Kailashkher) January 7, 2024
Shilpa Shetty: Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty also joined the movement to condemn Maldivian ministers and wrote on a Facebook post, “I am appalled and disgusted by the racist comments of some Maldivian ministers against our PM and our country. This is an insult to the millions of Indians who love and visit Maldives every year. I urge all my fans and followers to boycott Maldives until they apologize and rectify their mistake. #BoycottMaldives”
R Madhavann: Bollywood actor Maddy took to Instagram and posted, “I am shocked and saddened by the racist comments of some Maldivian ministers against our PM and our country. This is a betrayal of the friendship and goodwill that India has shown to Maldives. I have visited Maldives many times and enjoyed its beauty and hospitality. But I will not go there again until they respect our PM and our country. #BoycottMaldives”
#ExploreIndianIslands will never forget the brilliant time we had while filming my very first film #Alaipayuthey at Andaman Islands. The snorkeling was breathtaking — incredibly beautiful, marine life that I’ve never seen anywhere else , as was the hospitality and the food. I… pic.twitter.com/l3zbAj70EE
— Ranganathan Madhavan (@ActorMadhavan) January 7, 2024
Anupam Kher: Best known for his recent work in ‘The Kashmir Files’, actor Anupam Kher, condemning the incident said on ‘X’, “I am deeply hurt and outraged by the racist remarks of some Maldivian ministers against our PM and our country. This is unacceptable and intolerable. India is a great nation and a true friend of Maldives. We demand an apology and action from the Maldives government. #BoycottMaldives”
Ace cricketers also joined the discussion, leading to a massive row.
Sachin Tendulkar: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar contributed to the conversation, reflecting on his own experiences in Sindhudurg where he celebrated his 50th birthday over 250 days ago. In a heartfelt post, Tendulkar expressed gratitude for the coastal town of Sindhudurg, which provided everything they desired and more. He highlighted the gorgeous locations and the warm hospitality and wrote on X “India is blessed with beautiful coastlines and pristine islands.” Concluding his post, Sachin wrote “Atithi Devo Bhava.”
Shikhar Dhawan: Taking to microblogging website X, cricketer Shikhar Dhawan condemned the statements by Maldivian ministers and said, “It’s disheartening to witness a government minister’s negative stance towards India, labelled as a ‘personal opinion.’ Condemning such behaviour and calling for a diplomatic resolution to foster harmony between Maldives and India.”
It’s disheartening to witness a government minister’s negative stance towards India, labeled as a ‘personal opinion.’ Condemning such behavior and calling for a diplomatic resolution to foster harmony between 🇲🇻 Maldives and 🇮🇳 India. #GlobalUnity #Maldives
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) January 7, 2024
Hardik Pandya: In a similar vein, Hardik Pandya shared his sentiments on X, expressing extreme sadness at the comments made about India. Pandya highlighted the beauty of Lakshadweep with its gorgeous marine life and beautiful beaches, describing it as the perfect getaway spot. He concluded his post with the hashtag #ExploreIncredibleIndia.
Extremely sad to see what’s being said about India. With its gorgeous marine life, beautiful beaches, Lakshadweep is the perfect get away spot and surely a must visit for me for my next holiday 🫶 #ExploreIncredibleIndia pic.twitter.com/UA7suQArLB
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) January 7, 2024
