December 23, 2024:Kumar Vishwas’ recent comments have indeed stirred a fresh controversy, with many interpreting them as an indirect criticism of Shatrughan Sinha, his daughter Sonakshi Sinha, and their personal lives.
The remarks, made during a poetry event in Meerut, appear to allude to Sonakshi’s interfaith marriage and her family’s name, “Ramayana,” with Vishwas mentioning the importance of remembering religious figures like Lord Ram and Sita, and warning against letting someone else “take your Lakshmi” — a metaphor for wealth or prosperity, often used to refer to a wife.
The comments quickly drew backlash from various quarters, with Congress leader Supriya Shrinate leading the charge, condemning Vishwas for making what she called “cheap” and “lewd” remarks about women, and highlighting the inherent misogyny in his words. She strongly questioned the poet’s view of women as mere “property” who could be “taken away,” emphasizing the need for equal treatment and respect for a woman’s choices in marriage and life.
Sonakshi has also been no stranger to criticism in the past, particularly from figures like Mukesh Khanna, who chastised her for not answering a question on the Ramayana years ago. In her response to Khanna, Sonakshi gracefully reminded him of the importance of forgiveness and also highlighted how she was unfairly singled out while another woman present had given the same answer.
It’s clear that both Kumar Vishwas and Mukesh Khanna’s comments on Sonakshi have sparked a broader conversation about gender, respect, and personal choices in India, especially as societal norms evolve. Shrinate’s comments reflect a larger debate about women’s autonomy and their right to make decisions about their lives without being scrutinized or belittled for doing so.
At its core, the controversy underscores how personal, religious, and cultural narratives are often weaponized in the public sphere to criticize individuals or families, especially when it involves women stepping outside traditional boundaries. While the Sinha family has faced public scrutiny, it’s important to note that Sonakshi’s marriage to Zaheer Iqbal, who is from a different faith, was a personal choice celebrated by many, including those in her social circle and Bollywood.
