I’m sorry Fahad doesn’t fit your stereotype: Swara on right-wing trolls

Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker has become the target of online trolling after posting a picture of herself in a simple salwar suit and without make-up, in which she is seen standing next to Maulana Sajjad Nomani, drawing criticism from right-wing trolls.

One depicted her in a glamorous outfit from her acting career, while the other showed her in a modest salwar-kurta and dupatta. The meme suggested that her wardrobe choices reflected a shift towards Islamic conservatism following her marriage to politician Fahad Ahmad.

In response to the criticism, Swara posted a series of photographs showcasing a range of outfits she had worn after her marriage. The collection included both modest and glamorous styles, aimed at dispelling claims that she had fundamentally altered her dressing preferences. She also addressed the broader trolling campaign, which extended to her husband’s religion and perceived stereotypes about their interfaith marriage.

Humour marked her response as she captioned her post: “I didn’t realise my wardrobe choices post-marriage are a national cyber debate (bizarre!). Here are more pics of me post-marriage to give Sanghi vermin more fodder for their dung.” Swara, known for her outspoken criticism of Hindutva ideology, also took aim at the trolls for targeting her husband and his religion. “I’m sorry @FahadZirarAhmad doesn’t fit your stereotype of a conservative Muslim husband. Lol!” she added.

Swara’s husband, Fahad Ahmad, a member of the Nationalist Congress Party’s Sharad Pawar faction, contested the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections from the Anushakti Nagar constituency in Mumbai. The couple, who married in February 2023, recently welcomed their first child, a daughter, in September.

Known for her outspoken views against Hindutva ideology, Swara has frequently faced online hate for her political and personal choices.