Indian filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, known for his controversial takes and provocative social media presence, has once again found himself in the eye of a storm. This time, his attempt to draw parallels between Diwali celebrations in India and the ongoing genocide in Gaza has triggered outrage across social media, revealing the alarming normalization of extremist narratives within India’s cultural and intellectual circles.

The controversy began when Varma posted on X (formerly Twitter), implying that the fireworks and light of Diwali symbolically reflected the explosions in Gaza. His post read: “The real fireworks are happening in Gaza, not here.” The statement, which seemed to mock the suffering of thousands of Palestinians enduring relentless bombings, quickly went viral.

For many, Varma’s words were not only insensitive but a reflection of a larger ideological pattern where the suffering of others, particularly Muslims, is trivialized or even celebrated in the name of nationalism and religious superiority.

A Dangerous Normalization of Hate

Ram Gopal Varma’s tweet came at a time when the Gaza Strip is witnessing unprecedented destruction, with international human rights organizations calling it one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history. More than 67,000 people have been killed in two years, with thousands under the rubble, according to Al Jazeera. To mock such devastation under the guise of humor or cultural pride reveals an unsettling moral decay in segments of Indian public discourse.

Social media users across various platforms condemned Varma’s post, calling it “disgusting,” “inhumane,” and “a reflection of Hindutva-fueled propaganda.” Critics argued that Varma’s words were not an isolated expression but part of a broader ideological wave that has transformed sections of Indian society into echo chambers of intolerance.

The Rise of Hindutva Influence in Soft Power Sectors

What makes this incident particularly disturbing is its origin within India’s film industry—a domain traditionally seen as a source of soft power, shaping narratives and fostering cultural connection. Instead, it now appears to be influenced by a growing Hindutva ideology that encourages hostility toward Muslims and glorifies violence against them.

This shift has not gone unnoticed by international observers. The Indian entertainment industry, once celebrated for its diversity and inclusivity, is increasingly reflecting the nation’s internal polarization. The language of hate, once confined to fringe political spaces, now echoes in films, television, and even public statements by well-known artists and public figures.

Dr. Junaid Jahandad, Lecturer at the Department of Strategic Studies at the National Defence University and a Middle East expert, expressed his concern over this troubling transformation.

 “I think this is very unfortunate that even people from the film industry, which is actually a source of soft power connecting people and cultures, have become promoters of hate and inhumanity under the influence of Hindutva ideology. Symbolizing the genocide and atrocities in Gaza with Diwali cannot be justified by any means and unfortunately depicts the prevailing diabolical and fanatic mindset in India,”  he said.

Not an Isolated Case: A Pattern of Hate

Ram Gopal Varma is not alone in expressing such sentiments. Several other Indian public figures, including retired military officers and social media influencers, have echoed similar narratives that either mock or downplay the suffering in Gaza.

Major Gaurav Arya (Retd.), a former Indian Army officer and a frequent media commentator, posted a controversial statement earlier this year, justifying Israel’s actions under the pretext of “counter-terrorism.” His post read: “Israel is doing what any sovereign state should do to defend itself. There is no room for sympathy when it comes to terrorists.” Critics have pointed out that such remarks deliberately blur the line between civilians and combatants, promoting a dangerously skewed view of the conflict.

Another Indian social media personality, known by the handle @MrSinha_, made headlines after mocking pro-Palestinian activists by suggesting that “they should be ready to share their homes with Hamas fighters.” Such comments, widely circulated across Indian social media, reflect a growing climate of Islamophobia and desensitization to violence against Muslims globally.

Even Indian journalists and commentators have faced criticism for selectively reporting the conflict, portraying Israel’s military campaign as a necessary defense measure while neglecting the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza.

The Strategic Implications: India’s Image at Stake

Analysts argue that the increasing radicalization of India’s public narrative poses a strategic risk to its global image. As a nation aspiring to be a major power and a voice of the Global South, India’s moral credibility is undermined when prominent figures display open contempt for human suffering.

India’s foreign policy traditionally emphasized non-alignment, moral leadership, and support for decolonized and oppressed nations. However, in recent years, there has been a visible tilt toward aligning with Western and Israeli narratives, particularly those emphasizing “counter-terrorism” as a justification for excessive force. This rhetorical alignment, critics say, erodes India’s soft power and alienates much of the Muslim world.Ram Gopal Varma’s post symbolizes a deeper ideological transformation that could have long-term diplomatic consequences.

The Digital Battlefield: Propaganda and Polarization

Social media has become a powerful weapon in shaping perceptions of international conflicts. In India, the digital space has been flooded with pro-Israel content, often using the same rhetoric and visuals propagated by Western right-wing circles. Hashtags supporting Israel trend frequently, while voices speaking for Palestine are attacked and labeled as “terror sympathizers.”

This online polarization serves strategic purposes for certain political and ideological groups. By reinforcing a binary worldview of “good versus evil,” it becomes easier to justify violence and suppress empathy. Ram Gopal Varma’s post fits neatly within this framework, intentionally or otherwise.

Public Backlash and Silence of the Industry

Despite the global backlash, few within the Indian film fraternity have spoken against Varma’s statement. The silence from Bollywood’s leading figures is being interpreted as either fear of political retribution or tacit agreement with the prevailing Hindutva discourse.

For a nation that once championed peace, tolerance, and coexistence, this silence speaks volumes. It reflects how political ideologies have penetrated even the realms of creativity and art, spaces once reserved for empathy and human connection.

A Mirror to the Present

The outrage surrounding Ram Gopal Varma’s statement is not just about one insensitive tweet. It is about what that tweet represents: a society slowly losing its moral compass, where hate is normalized, and empathy is mocked. It is about how the world’s largest democracy, home to one of the richest cultural heritages, risks transforming its soft power into a tool of ideological aggression.

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