Bollywood actress Richa Chadha faced a huge backlash over her post on Twitter referring to the Galwan clash in a post appearing to deride a top Indian army officer's statement on taking Pakistan’s Azad Kashmir back.
Reacting to Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's statement on taking back parts of Kashmir illegally occupied by Pakistan, Northern Army Commander Upendra Dwivedi had said the army is "always ready" to take any order from the government and "give them (Pakistan) a befitting reply".
Sharing a post on the statement, Richa Chadha posted on Twitter, "Galwan says hi."
Actors Akshay Kumar and Anupan Kheer were among the first to react against Richa Chadha’s post.
Many on Twitter reacted by calling her post "shameful and disgraceful".
The BJP condemned the post in a video statement. "India and Indians respect the army and the armed forces. When our chief of the army says something we respect that. It is unfortunate that someone from posting something on social media decides to mock the army. Is it correct? Do we even understand the valour that was displayed in Galwan by the soldiers who gave up their lives fighting for their motherland? It's unfortunate and condemnable to come out with this kind of post," said BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli.
Several others on Twitter slammed the actress.
"'Galwan says hi' writes Richa Chadha in response to a statement by a commanding officer on POK. Disrespecting those who gave their lives for India. Mocking the Indian army. She proves once again there is no limit to how low this industry can sink. A boycott is all they are worth," said one user.
"Mocking the sacrifice of our soldiers at Galwan valley. Shameful & disgraceful," said another.
Twenty Indian soldiers died in the Galwan clashes that broke out with China in June 2020. After multiple meetings between military commanders, Indian and Chinese troops pulled back from key points including Gogra-Hot Springs in Ladakh. The Chinese forces returned to pre-2020 positions.
The dust did not settle there. After actor Akshay Kumar criticised Richa Chadha for her Galwan tweet, Prakash Raj has now reacted to it.
Prakash Raj has reacted to Akshay Kumar criticising Richa Chadha for her tweet about the 2020 Galwan clash, in which several Indian army soldiers died.
Taking to Twitter, Prakash Raj reacted to Akshay's tweet and wrote, "Didn’t expect this from you @akshaykumar… having said that @RichaChadha is more relevant to our country than you sir..." Prakash also supported Richa Chadha and wrote on Twitter, "Yes we stand with you @RichaChadha... we understand what you meant."
Earlier, Akshay took to Twitter and shared a screenshot of Richa's comment. He tweeted, "Hurts to see this. Nothing ever should make us ungrateful towards our armed forces. Woh hain toh aaj hum hain (They are there so we exist)."
The immense pressure created by reactions from all sides forced the actress to delete her tweet. Later, Richa issued an apology statement through a tweet. Richa wrote, "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."
She added, "As a Lt. Col, he took a bullet in the leg in the Indo-China war, in the 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."
Actor Anupam Kher who is very active on twitter took to the social media and wrote, “Desh ki burai karke kuch logon ke beech lokpriya hone ki koshi karna kayar aur chote logon ka kaam hai. Aur sena ke samman ko daav par lagana… isse zyada sharmnaak aur kya ho sakta hai (trying to become popular among some people by talking badly about your country is the work of cowards and small people. And putting the honour of the army at stake... what can be more shameful than this).”