The Bigger Picture:
Why this Report?
In times of crisis, whether global or national what public figures choose to say, or not say, matters. Their voices influence millions, set the tone for conversations, and often reflect the priorities of the society they help shape. That’s why we set out to track and analyze the reactions of Indian celebrities to three recent, emotionally charged events: Palestine issue/ Rafah (Paid campaign?), the terror attack in Pahalgam, and India’s military response in Operation Sindoor
What we noticed was not just who spoke up, but where they chose to speak, and what they chose to leave out
Many celebrities were quick to amplify global campaigns like “All Eyes on Rafah”, but remained noticeably quiet when terror struck Indians or when the armed forces launched a retaliatory operation. This pattern raised uncomfortable, but necessary, questions: Why is it safer to post about international woke agenda than domestic tragedy? Why do some voices echo louder for global narratives than for their own soil?
This report doesn’t aim to shame, but to observe, document, and reflect, on how prominent Indian celebrities responded, or didn’t, to three key events that gripped public consciousness. It is meant to bring clarity, not outrage; accountability, not cancellation.
Because when patriotism becomes a movie script, but silence greets real sacrifice, we owe it to ourselves to ask: what do our icons really stand for when the cameras stop rolling?''
It divides them into four groups:
Category 1: Commented on Rafah Only
Celebrities who expressed solidarity with Rafah/Palestine but did not comment on the Pahalgam attack or Operation Sindoor.
Category 2: Commented on Rafah and Pahalgam Attack, Silent on Operation Sindoor
Celebrities who addressed both Rafah and the Pahalgam attack but remained silent on Operation Sindoor.
Category 3: Commented on Rafah, Pahalgam Attack, and Operation Sindoor
Celebrities who commented on all three issues.
Category 4: Commented on Pahalgam Attack and/or Operation Sindoor, Silent on Rafah
Celebrities who addressed the Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor, or both, but did not comment on Rafah.
Category I : Commented on Rafah Only
Background
On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking over 240 hostages, sparking a devastating war. Israel responded with intense bombings and a ground invasion of Gaza, displacing over a million Palestinians to Rafah. In May 2024,Israel launched a major offensive on Rafah, causing heavy civilian casualties and prompting global condemnation and celebrity-led campaigns to halt the assault.
These 22 celebrities publicly expressed support for Rafah/Palestine, primarily through Instagram Stories or posts, but did not comment on the Pahalgam attack or Operation Sindoor. This selective engagement may suggest a focus on international humanitarian issues, possibly driven by global trends or social media campaigns like "All Eyes on Rafah,"while avoiding domestic issues that could be seen as politically sensitive or linked to IndiaPakistan tensions.
Celebrities expressed solidarity with Rafah/Palestine but remained silent on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.
Selective Conscience?
This group of Bollywood and social media celebrities were quick to amplify the “All Eyes on Rafah” campaign reposting a viral graphic aligned with a global, arguably orchestrated (well PAID) movement. But when it came to the Pahalgam terror attack or Operation Sindoor, incidents directly impacting India’s national security they chose SILENCE. Why the double standard?
Madhuri Dixit Nene even deleted her Rafah post, perhaps realizing the blowback for picking a side in international issues while staying conveniently neutral on domestic tragedies. This pattern reeks of selective activism. When it's trendy, global, and "safe," they speak. But when it’s about Indian lives, soldiers, National integration or Jammu Kashmir they go mute. Are they scared of offending foreign fan bases, or simply unwilling to be seen as ‘nationalist’? or they work for MONEY only, as most get PAID for Rafah posts.
Category II Commented on Rafah and Pahalgam Attack,Silent on Operation Sindoor
Background
On April 22, 2025, terrorists from Pakistan-based The Resistance Front massacred 26 Hindu tourists at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, prompting India to launch Operation Sindoor precision airstrikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The operation marked a major shift in India’s security doctrine, demonstrating decisive retaliation, disrupting key jihadist networks, and exposing deep collusion between the Pakistani military and terror groups.
Following celebrities commented on both the Rafah situation and the Pahalgam attack but did not address Operation Sindoor. Their engagement with both international and domestic humanitarian issues show a broader concern, but their silence on Operation Sindoor may indicate POSSIBLE reluctance to endorse or comment on military actions, possibly to avoid appearing overly nationalistic or critical of Pakistan. Celebrities addressed both Rafah and the Pahalgam attack but did not comment on Operation Sindoor.
Selective Conscience?
This group appears more balanced at first glance acknowledging both the Pahalgam terror attack and the Rafah crisis. But dig deeper, and a familiar pattern emerges silence on Operation Sindoor.
Why the hesitation? Operation Sindoor, likely involving action against Pakistan-based threats, was a decisive military response. But not a word from these celebrities. Even Varun Dhawan, who showed support for the Army after Pahalgam, steered clear of acknowledging the operation itself. Supporting victims is easy. Taking a stand when the military acts in India’s defence? That’s where the line is drawn. This selective engagement raises questions: Is their compassion limited to what's palatable? Are they worried about being seen as endorsing India’s military, or upsetting narratives tied to cross-border fans’sensitivities?
They’ll post when it’s safe. Stay silent when it’s inconvenient. That’s not balanced, that’s branded neutrality.
Category III Commented on Rafah, Pahalgam Attack, and Operation Sindoor
Following celebrities commented on all three issues, showing engagement with both humanitarian and national security matters. Their willingness to address Operation Sindoor suggests a less reserved stance on India’s military actions, though their comments vary in tone and focus.
Engaged, but Not Aligned
These celebrities chose to speak on all three major events: Rafah, Pahalgam, and Operation Sindoor. Their responses, however, reveal sharp contrasts.
Alia and Hina backed the armed forces clearly, with Hina boldly tying her identity as both Indian and Muslim to her support, a rare stance in Bollywood’s typically risk-averse landscape. Nora offered emotional solidarity with the Army, though notably skipped any direct mention of the Pahalgam attack.
Then there’s Swara Bhasker. Her Orwell-tinged critique of Operation Sindoor leans toward a more ideological, possibly anti-military lens, putting her at odds with the patriotic tone of her peers.
This group stands out for engaging with tough issues, but their messaging is anything but unified. From unambiguous patriotism to intellectual dissent, they represent a spectrum, not a front. Courage to speak? Yes. Consensus? Not even close.
Category IV Commented on Pahalgam Attack and/or Operation Sindoor, Silent on Rafah
Following celebrities in this group commented on the Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor, or both, but did not address the Rafah situation. Their focus on domestic issues, particularly those tied to national security, suggests a prioritization of Indian concerns, possibly reflecting patriotic sentiment or a deliberate choice to avoid international controversies.Celebrities focused on domestic issues, particularly national security, without addressing Rafah.
Unapologetically Patriotic
This is the largest group of celebrities, who took a firm stand on national issues, voicing unequivocal support for the Indian armed forces and condemning terrorism. Their focus on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor was marked by strong, emotionally resonant messaging, often using phrases like “Jai Hind” and openly saluting Indian soldiers.
Notably, they chose not to jump on the “All Eyes on Rafah” trend, a move that suggests they weren’t swayed by global pressure or performative activism. Their silence here speaks volumes: they posted what they genuinely believe, not what’s PAID or trending.
Celebrities like Kangana Ranaut, Akshay Kumar, and Sachin Tendulkar led the way with bold, pro-India statements, reinforcing their alignment with national sentiment. This group may not speak on every global issue, but when it comes to India, their loyalty is clear and unwavering.
Authentic. Patriotic. Unfiltered.
Reflection: Why this Matters?
Celebrities aren’t just entertainers, they’re cultural influencers, brand ambassadors, and, often, voices that shape public sentiment. When they speak, millions listen. When they stay silent, that too sends a message.
In an era where patriotism is a profitable script on screen, real-life silence or selective activism during national crises exposes a troubling disconnect. This report isn’t about vilifying; it’s about holding a mirror. When public figures build careers on patriotic narratives, endorse military-themed films, or profit off national pride, their real-world choices should reflect more than just commercial convenience.
This isn’t about demanding uniformity of opinion, but consistency of conscience. By mapping who spoke, who stayed silent, and who selectively chose causes, this report helps cut through the noise. It reminds us that in moments of national pain or pride, celebrity influence isn't trivial, it's powerful. And how they use it or choose not to, deserves to be seen, questioned, and remembered.
Because patriotism isn’t just a script. And silence, too, is a statement.''
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