Swara Bhasker has found herself at the center of yet another heated debate after her comments on Chhaava, a film that portrays the life and struggles of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, sparked strong reactions. The controversy erupted when Bhasker, known for her outspoken political views, questioned the public’s intense outrage over the historical depiction of torture in the film while, in her view, failing to show the same level of anger over real-life tragedies occurring in the present.
In her initial social media post, Bhasker wrote, "A society that is more enraged at the heavily embellished, partly fictionalised filmy torture of Hindus from 500 years ago than they are at the horrendous death by stampede & mismanagement + then alleged JCB bulldozer handling of corpses – is a brain & soul-dead society (sic)."
Her remarks were widely criticized, particularly by those who felt she was downplaying the historical suffering of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a revered figure in Indian history. Many accused her of being dismissive of history and of attempting to shift the focus from an event that holds immense emotional and cultural significance for a large section of people. Social media users and political commentators called her out for what they perceived as insensitivity toward the legacy of Sambhaji Maharaj, who is regarded as a symbol of bravery and resistance against Mughal oppression.
Facing mounting backlash, Bhasker issued a clarification, stating that her words had been misinterpreted and that she holds the utmost respect for the Maratha warrior king and his contributions. She acknowledged that her statement had generated "avoidable misunderstanding" and expressed regret if it had hurt anyone’s sentiments.
"Without any doubt, I respect the brave legacy and contribution of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj… especially his ideas of social justice & respect for women," she wrote, attempting to reaffirm her admiration for the Maratha dynasty and its values.
She went on to explain that her original point was not meant to belittle history but to highlight what she perceives as the selective outrage of society.
"My limited point is that glorifying our history is great, but please don’t misuse the glory of the past to hide the mistakes & failures of present times. Historical understanding should always be used to unite people & not to divide and divert attention from current issues," she elaborated.
Further attempting to soothe tensions, Bhasker reiterated her pride in Indian history and its rich heritage.
"If my earlier tweet has hurt any sentiments, that is regretted… Like any other proud Indian, I am also proud of our history. Our history should unite us and give us strength to fight for a better and more inclusive future."
Despite her clarification, the controversy has refused to die down, with many continuing to express their displeasure over her remarks. Some believe her explanation is an attempt at damage control rather than a genuine apology, while others have defended her stance, arguing that she was simply drawing attention to present-day issues that demand equal outrage.
At the heart of the debate is the film Chhaava, which depicts the brutal torture of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj at the hands of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The climax of the film reportedly features a harrowing and emotionally charged portrayal of his suffering, a moment that has deeply moved audiences and stirred nationalistic sentiments. Many see the film as a necessary reminder of historical atrocities, while others view it as a dramatized retelling that should not overshadow contemporary issues.
Bhasker’s comments reignited larger discussions about how history should be remembered and interpreted in modern society. Her critics argue that historical figures like Sambhaji Maharaj should be honored without question, while her supporters believe that history should be examined in a way that informs and improves the present.
This is not the first time Bhasker has found herself in the middle of such a debate. Over the years, she has built a reputation as one of Bollywood’s most vocal political commentators, frequently expressing her opinions on contentious socio-political issues. While her advocacy has earned her a loyal following, it has also made her a polarizing figure, with detractors often accusing her of using controversies to stay in the spotlight.
Whether her clarification will help defuse the situation remains to be seen, but what is clear is that the intersection of history, politics, and popular culture continues to be a flashpoint for passionate discussions in India. The reaction to her remarks underscores how deeply historical narratives and their representation in films resonate with people, often becoming battlegrounds for ideological and political discourse.
