Bollywood actress Swara Bhaskar is currently embracing motherhood, but even though she’s staying away from films for the time being, she often finds herself in the spotlight—largely due to her outspoken views on social and political issues. Recently, Swara stirred controversy again with her remarks during the festival of Bakrid (Eid al-Adha), this time targeting vegetarians.
Swara’s Post Sparks Controversy
Swara reshared a post originally made by a user named Nalini on her social media account, in which she criticized the ethics of vegetarianism. Her post didn’t sit well with many users and led to a wave of online trolling.
Her Statement on Vegetarianism
During Bakrid last year, Swara criticized vegetarians in a strongly worded message. She wrote:
“Honestly, I just don’t get vegetarians. Your entire diet relies on depriving calves of their mother’s milk, forcibly impregnating cows, separating them from their babies, and stealing their milk. On top of that, you consume root vegetables which destroy the entire plant. Maybe take a breather—it’s Bakrid today.”
This statement, meant as a sarcastic jab at those judging meat-eaters during the festival, drew sharp reactions on social media.
I'm proud to be a vegetarian. My plate is free from tears, cruelty and guilt. pic.twitter.com/63mLXhGW78
— Nalini Unagar (@NalinisKitchen) June 16, 2024
Her Post in Reaction to a Blogger’s Anti-Meat Sentiment
Apparently triggered by a blogger’s anti-meat post on the occasion of Bakrid, Swara responded strongly. She reiterated her views, saying she couldn’t understand the moral high ground claimed by vegetarians given the cruelty embedded in dairy practices and the consumption of root vegetables.
Comments on Jain Community’s Actions
Swara also drew criticism when she targeted a group of Jains who bought goats to prevent their sacrifice during Bakrid. Taking to Twitter, she questioned the sustainability of such actions, implying that if they’re saving animals, they should also be ready to care for them long term. Her post went viral and sparked a heated debate online, attracting both support and backlash.
Public Reaction and Online Trolls
Many social media users took offense at Swara’s comments. One person tweeted, “Seems like Swara has no work these days, which is why she’s wasting time on such things.” Another replied, “Some people are better ignored.”
Swara Bhaskar, who married political activist Fahad Ahmad in 2023 through a court marriage without converting religions, is now a mother to a daughter named Rabia Rama Ahmad. While she may be away from the silver screen, she remains a prominent figure in public debates.