Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker is once again making headlines, not for her cinematic prowess but for issuing a sharp rebuke to a news portal that she claims has grossly misinterpreted a recent interview comment made by her husband, Fahad Ahmad. The couple, who welcomed their daughter Raabiyaa in September 2023 after marrying in February the same year, are no strangers to public scrutiny. However, what transpired this time around has ignited a different level of public conversation.
During an interview on the popular YouTube channel “Couple of Things” with Amrita Rao and RJ Anmol, Fahad Ahmad was asked about their union, which defies numerous societal conventions such as caste, religion, and regional backgrounds. Fahad explained, “Her parents are well-educated. Her mother is a JNU professor, her father was a respected Naval officer and also a columnist. In my house, I am the first person to study beyond Class 10. She is from Delhi, and I come from a small town named Baheri, which is not even a district. She is a Brahmin; I am a Pasmanda Muslim which comes under OBC. The only common thing is our sexual orientation, both of us are straight. Besides that, we have breached all barriers of caste, religion, cities, and so on.”
The comment, intended to illustrate the couple’s diverse yet harmonious relationship, was severely misrepresented by a news portal. The publication chose to craft an entirely misleading narrative, stating: “Swara Bhasker loved sex and that’s what brought us closer.” This translation was not only inaccurate but invasive, prompting Swara Bhasker to respond publicly.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Swara shared screenshots of the misleading article, expressing her frustration and disappointment with the current state of journalism in India. She wrote, “This headline and this article show how low the level of journalism in India has fallen. In the interview, Fahad jokingly says that all our social identities are different except that our ‘sexual orientation’ is the same – that is, both are cis-gender heterosexual..
..@news24tvchannel understood what this means!! A perfect mixture of ignorance and vulgarity!!!”
Reflecting on the broader implications, this incident highlights concerns over journalistic integrity and the sensationalist tendencies of certain media outlets. Swara Bhasker’s reaction has sparked a conversation about responsible journalism and the ethical considerations that should guide media practices.
Swara Bhasker and Fahad Ahmad’s marriage under the Special Marriage Act earlier this year has already been a significant talking point. Their relationship crosses multiple societal boundaries, challenging preconceived notions about inter-caste and inter-religious marriages in India. The couple’s decision to marry through a court ceremony emphasizes their commitment to individual choice over traditional norms. The birth of their daughter Raabiyaa in September further illustrates their journey together as they navigate these societal challenges.
While this controversy unfolds, Swara Bhasker continues to focus on her acting career. She has recently completed filming her upcoming movie, “Mrs Falani.” This ambitious project includes eight distinct stories where Swara takes on eight different characters, each from a different region, speaking various dialects, and sporting unique attires. The film, produced by ‘Three Arrows’ and ‘Sita Films,’ showcases Swara’s versatility and dedication to her craft. Reportedly, she even underwent a nose piercing to authentically portray one of the characters — a homemaker representing various states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Punjab.
The forthcoming release of “Mrs Falani” is highly anticipated, not only for its storytelling but also for portraying diverse cultures within India. Swara’s commitment to bringing multifaceted characters to life speaks volumes about her dedication to the art of filmmaking and her ability to represent diverse societal themes.
As Swara awaits the release of her new project, her clash with the media serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between public interest and personal privacy. Her vocal stance against media misrepresentation underscores the importance of ethical journalism and the need for media outlets to present information responsibly.
Swara’s reaction to this incident is a call to action for more respectful and accurate media reporting, emphasizing the need for integrity in journalism. As public figures like Swara Bhasker use their platforms to call out inaccuracies, it is hoped that media standards will be driven to higher levels of responsibility and truthfulness.
