Mr Kher surprised many on Wednesday when he said that he believed the government “had slipped” in the Covid crisis and it was important to hold it responsible.
Actor Anupam Kher, who has wholeheartedly backed the Narendra Modi-led government until now and has always showered praises on the Prime Minister, surprised many on Wednesday when he said that he believed the government “had slipped” in the Covid crisis and it was important to hold it responsible.
In what appeared to be a critique of the Centre, in an interview with news channel NDTV, Anupam Kher said: “Somewhere they have slipped … it is time for them to understand that there is much more to life than just image-building maybe.”
The renowned actor was asked should the government’s efforts have been more about providing relief than managing their image and perception. He was questioned about how distressing did he find images of Covid-hit families begging for hospital beds, corpses floating in the river and struggling patients?
“I think the criticism is valid in lots of cases and I think it is important for the government to rise to the occasion and do things that they are chosen by people of this country for. I think only an inhuman person will not get affected by… bodies floating. But for another political party to use it for their gain is also not right,” said the national award-winning actor.
“We should as people… Get angry…It is important to hold the government responsible for what has happened.”
Mr Kher’s remarks also hold importance since his wife, actor Kirron Kher, is a BJP MP.
Two weeks ago, Anupam Kher was trolled for responding to a critique of the government’s handling of Covid with a tweet that said: “Aayega toh Modi hi (but Modi will return).”
With the massive second wave of the pandemic sweeping India, and people struggling for hospital beds, oxygen and drugs, Mr Kher is among celebrities who have launched relief efforts. His “Heal India” initiative seeks to help those who need ventilators and oxygen concentrators.
As an independent media platform, we do not take advertisements from governments and corporate houses. It is you, our readers, who have supported us on our journey to do honest and unbiased journalism. Please contribute, so that we can continue to do the same in future.
