On Sunday, Indian celebrities like Bollywood actors and sports stars joined the conversation around Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Lakshadweep. This came after Maldivian political leaders mocked Modi's visit, sparking a major controversy.
Stars including Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, John Abraham, Shraddha Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar posted on social media praising the natural beauty of Lakshadweep. Some directly referenced PM Modi's visit and the critical reaction from Maldivian officials. By highlighting the island's appeal, these Indian celebrities seemed to be responding to the Maldivian criticism of Modi's trip.
Akshay Kumar wrote, "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 neighbours but, Why should we tolerate such unprovoked hate? I've visited the Maldives many times and always praised it, but dignity first. Let us decide to #ExploreIndianIslands and support our own 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.
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 7, 2024
We are good to our neighbors but
why should we tolerate such… pic.twitter.com/DXRqkQFguN
Salman Khan posted, "It is so cool to see our Hon PM Narendrabhai Modi at the beautiful, clean and stunning beaches of Lakshadweep, and the best part is that yeh hamare India mein gain."
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
Shraddha Kapoor stated on X, "All these images and memes making me super FOMO now ðŸ˜. Lakshadweep has such pristine beaches and coastlines, thriving local culture, I’m on the verge of booking an impulse chhutti âäï¸ This year, why not #ExploreIndianIslands".
All these images and memes making me super FOMO now 😍
— Shraddha (@ShraddhaKapoor) January 7, 2024
Lakshadweep has such pristine beaches and coastlines, thriving local culture, I’m on the verge of booking an impulse chhutti ❤️
This year, why not #ExploreIndianIslands pic.twitter.com/fTWmZTycpO
Even John Abraham shared pictures of the beaches, saying "Lakshwadeep is the place to go."
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
Kangana Ranaut wrote on X, "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."
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
Her tweet further read, "For most people tourism is not just filthy luxury, it is rather exploration of nature, alignment with the source and above all experiencing and enjoying the raw, untouched beauty of virgin beaches. Shame on you for being so crass and vulgarly racist."
Meanwhile, Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar shared a video of him playing cricket on a beach, "India is blessed with beautiful coastlines and pristine islands. With our “Atithi Devo Bhava” philosophy, we have so much to explore, so many memories waiting to be created."
250+ days since we rang in my 50th birthday in Sindhudurg!
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 7, 2024
The coastal town offered everything we wanted, and more. Gorgeous locations combined with wonderful hospitality left us with a treasure trove of memories.
India is blessed with beautiful coastlines and pristine… pic.twitter.com/DUCM0NmNCz
The controversy over Prime Minister Modi's visit to Lakshadweep and the critical Maldivian reaction continues to escalate. As it grows, more Indian celebrities are expected to join the debate.
On January 4, PM Modi visited the Lakshadweep islands and shared viral photos of himself snorkelling and enjoying the natural beauty there. Many compared Lakshadweep favourably to the Maldives, calling it a superior tourist destination.
In response, Maldivian political leaders mocked Modi's visit and made derogatory remarks about him. This sparked some online backlash from Indian internet users, with "#BoycottMaldives" briefly trending.
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