Many Bollywood stars have spoken out against the use of firecrackers during Diwali celebrations, citing concerns for animal and environmental welfare. But not everyone has been receptive; some internet users have been eager to point out what they perceive as hypocrisy in these efforts. Take a look at these five famous people who got some heat for advocating a Diwali without fireworks.
Alia Bhatt
Celebrity animal advocate Alia Bhatt launched the “PoochOverPataka” campaign to encourage her followers to refrain froam buying fireworks for the safety of their dogs. While many of her admirers rallied behind her, others questioned her impartiality and wondered why she hadn’t voiced similar concerns about pyrotechnics at Bollywood events or New Year’s festivities. The controversy brought to light the public’s expectation that celebrities should not limit their issue-addressing to Diwali alone.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
When Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’s 2018 wedding included fireworks, it sparked controversy over her plea for a more environmentally conscious Diwali. Some called her a “hypocrite” for celebrating Diwali with crackers while publicly discouraging them. An internet backlash ensued over this episode, with her supporters lining up to defend her and her detractors drawing attention to what they saw as hypocrisy on her part.
Neha Dhupia
Concerned about the effects of firecrackers on children’s health and the environment, Neha Dhupia tweeted in 2021 that her followers should not buy them. When some people accused her of “preaching” without taking into account the impact of her own lifestyle choices, her message backfired. Notably, a police officer questioned her carbon footprint, which sparked conversations about how the public values celebrities’ actions more than their words.
Anushka Sharma
A firecracker-free Diwali was proposed for 2020 by Anushka Sharma and cricketer Virat Kohli, who are well-known for their advocacy of environmentally conscious lifestyle choices. But admirers wasted no time pointing to earlier events—like a birthday bash complete with pyrotechnics—and dubbed the pair “hypocrites.” Memes and mocking ensued, casting doubt on the veracity of their statement.
Aamir Khan
For concerns of both public safety and the ecology, Aamir Khan made an appearance in an advertisement for Ceat Tyres, which urged viewers not to set off fireworks on roadways. But not everyone was happy with his message. Some wondered why he singled out Diwali as the one time he wanted people to not use firecrackers. As a result, some people started to “boycott Aamir Khan” because they thought he only dealt with certain problems.
Environmental concerns and cultural customs are always at the center of the firecracker controversy that occurs every Diwali season. People of fame who speak out for social change are frequently the targets of venomous attacks. its stand for a cleaner Diwali has its supporters, but there are plenty who would prefer constant, year-round action to seasonal messages. Balancing campaigning with public expectations is a special difficulty for Bollywood artists, and this underlines it.