After facing a huge criticism, actress Richa Chadha today put out a public apology after deleting a controversial Twitter post.
She had Tweeted “Galwan says hi” in a response to a top army commander’s statement on taking Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Apparently, she was referring to the 2020 Galwan clash with Chinese troops. Citizens saw it as a derogatory comment on the Army officer’s statement.
But having faced a backlash from people, Richa Chadha today posted an apology tweet. It read, “Even though it can never be my intention in the least, if the 3 words which are being dragged into a controversy have offended or hurt anyone, I apologise and also say that it would sadden me if even unintentionally my words have triggered this feeling in my brothers in the Fauj of which my own Nanaji has been an illustrious part. As a Lt. Col, he took a bullet in the leg in the Indo-China war, in 1960s. My Mamaji was a paratrooper. It’s in my blood.”
“A whole family is affected when their son is martyred or even injured while saving the nation which is made up of people like us and I personally know how it feels. It is an emotive issue for me,” she added.
Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi’s tweet was, “We are fully prepared to take back PoK from Pakistan. We r waiting the orders from the govt. We will complete the operation quickly. Before that if Pakistan is violating ceasefire, the answer will be different, even they can not imagine.”
To this, Richa Chadha had commented, “Galwan says hi.” Her controversial post had gone viral with many calling it “shameful and disgraceful” and seeking registeration of an FIR against her.
Richa Chaddha was referring to Galwan showdown between Indian and Chinese soldiers of 2020. Twenty Indian soldiers had lost their lives due to unwarranted attack by Chinese soldiers. Giving a befitting reply, Indian soldiers had killed more than 40 Chinese soldiers and injured many of them.
The Backlash
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit sought an FIR against her. “I appeal to CP MumbaiPolice Mumbai Police to file an FIR against actress Richa Chadha for mocking and abusing our security forces. She has been a regular offender of spreading hate towards nationalist forces.”
He also said, “I appeal to all the members of film & tv industry to come forward and condemn Richa Chadha ‘s mockery against our brave jawans. Your silence will send a wrong signal to the nation at large. The anger against our industry then becomes justified.”
Seeking a ban on Bollywood, enraged advocate Ashutosh Dubey, tweeted, “Bollywood actress Richa Chadha mocks Indian Army with a ‘Galwan taunt’ says “Galwan says hi” after Indian Army said they can take back PoK from Pakistan! She confirms once again there is no limit to how low this industry can drop. A boycott is all they are worth!”
Denouncing her statement, PC Mohan, BJP MP from Bengaluru Central, tweeted, “Col B Santosh Babu led with absolute command despite suffering grievous injuries in hostile terrain, deterring the vicious enemy. The valour of Galwan Bravehearts will be eternally etched in the memory of the nation. RichaChadha must apologize for disrespecting our martyrs.”
