Swara Bhasker has come under fire after a picture of her with Islamic scholar Maulana Sajjad Nomani went viral online. The image has drawn sharp criticism, with many accusing her of associating with someone known for controversial views on women’s education.
One social media user commented, “Swara Bhasker is known for promoting feminism and women’s empowerment. Yet she chose to meet Sajjad Nomani, who opposes sending girls to schools and colleges.”
Another user expressed outrage, saying, “Feminist Swara Bhasker took blessings from Maulana Sajjad Nomani, who praised the Taliban’s capture of Afghanistan and claimed it is ‘haram’ for parents to send their daughters to school or college unsupervised.”
Amid the backlash, Swara Bhasker also addressed the findings of the Hema Committee Report, which exposed sexual harassment and exploitation in the Malayalam film industry. The actress, known for her roles in Tanu Weds Manu Returns and Raanjhanaa, described the revelations as “heartbreaking because it is familiar.”
In a detailed Instagram post, Swara extended her solidarity to the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), a group that has been instrumental in raising awareness about harassment in the industry. She lauded their bravery and efforts to demand accountability and reform.
“I finally got around to reading about the findings of the Hema Committee Report. Before anything else, a big, big hug and gratitude to the brave women of the Women In Cinema Collective (WCC), who have consistently raised their voices against sexual harassment and violence, who demanded that an expert committee examine the working conditions of women in their industry and suggest solutions, who testified before the Hema Committee, who’ve held the hands of and provided solace to each other and to all women who have suffered sexual harassment and violence in the industry. You are heroes, and you are doing the work that people in positions of greater power ought to have done already. Respect and solidarity with you!”
Swara’s post emphasized her admiration for those fighting for justice and better conditions in the film industry. Her words reaffirmed her commitment to supporting women’s rights and empowerment, even as she faces criticism for her associations.
