Bollywood Stars Respond to Maldives' Criticism of Modi's Tourism Drive

In the realm of international relations, tourism often serves as a conduit for cultural exchange and economic growth. However, recent events between India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and certain figures in the Maldives have unveiled a rift that transcends picturesque coastlines and travel promotion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, marked by his sharing of captivating shoreline snapshots on social media, aimed to encourage tourism and explore the untapped potential of the region. His efforts, intended to boost tourism in India, inadvertently triggered an unexpected backlash from political figures in the Maldives.

Criticism from several Maldivian politicians not only targeted PM Modi's promotional endeavors but also escalated to hurling derogatory remarks toward Indians. This ignited a firestorm of outrage on social media, with individuals expressing their discontent and anger over the disrespectful comments.

Maldives' Comments on Indian Tourism Draw Celebrities' Ire

In response to this diplomatic row, various Indian celebrities have stepped into the fray to share their perspectives on the issue.

Akshay Kumar, a prominent Bollywood actor, expressed dismay at the disparaging comments made by influential figures from the Maldives. He emphasized the importance of maintaining dignity in international discourse and urged exploring the beautiful Indian islands to boost local 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

Salman Khan, another stalwart of Indian cinema, praised the scenic beauty of Lakshadweep's coastlines, extending his support for Indian tourism initiatives.

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

John Abraham, known for his passion for environmental conservation, showcased breathtaking images of India's coastlines while advocating for the exploration of the region's abundant marine life. His endorsement positioned Lakshadweep as an alluring and environmentally rich destination.

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

Adding to the discourse, Kangana Ranaut, a vociferous Bollywood actress, condemned the disrespectful comments made by Maldivian leaders, particularly emphasizing their remarks against the Muslim community in Lakshadweep. She underscored the island's unique offerings, highlighting that tourism there is not just about luxury accommodations but also about connecting with nature and experiencing its breathtaking vistas.

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

The controversy also influenced the decisions of key figures in India's entertainment industry. Film producer Subhash Malik (Bobby) and the head of Ayodhya's Ramleela opted to cancel their planned shoot in the Maldives as a gesture of solidarity with PM Modi. Malik urged fellow producers to consider Lakshadweep as an alternative filming location, leveraging its potential for cinematic storytelling.

Subhash Malik, renowned for producing a biopic titled "India in My Veins" depicting the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stands as a prominent figure in the Indian film industry. His stance reflects a growing sentiment within India's creative circles to reevaluate their engagements in the Maldives in light of recent events.