In a recent incident that has sparked a wave of online debates, actress and filmmaker Pooja Bhatt has voiced her disapproval regarding a viral video showcasing a group of young individuals chanting religious hymns inside a Mumbai metro train during the Navratri celebrations. The video captures a group of youngsters, clad in traditional attire for the festive occasion, occupying not just the seats but also the floor of the metro, loudly singing the song ‘Bharat Ka Baccha Baccha Jai Shri Ram Bolega,’ alongside popular Gujarati garba melodies. This display has been met with a mixed response from the public, with some applauding their festive enthusiasm, while others, including Bhatt, condemning it as a public disturbance.
The controversy erupted when Pooja Bhatt took to her social media platform, formerly known as Twitter and now referred to as X, to share her thoughts on the matter. The video, originally posted by Kunal Purohit, an independent journalist and author, was accompanied by his commentary on the rise of what he calls “Hindutva Pop music.” He observed that this trend has seamlessly found appeal across different layers of society, including both urban and rural segments. Purohit wrote, “This, truly, is what Hindutva Pop music has been designed for—the easy appeal that it creates among various classes. Well-heeled, upper-class youngsters, seeing no problem in singing this in a metro. H-Pop is everywhere.”
Adding her voice to the conversation, Pooja Bhatt questioned the appropriateness and legality of such acts in a public space. She tweeted, “How is this permissible in a public space? Doesn’t matter if it is Hindutva pop, Christmas carols, Bollywood blockbusters or anything in between. Public spaces cannot be misused in this manner. How and why are the authorities permitting this? Yeah, now bring on the abuse.”
The incident has spotlighted a broader discussion about the use of public spaces and the responsibility of citizens to adhere to civic decorum. Supporting Bhatt’s stance, filmmaker Onir also criticized the incident, remarking that what is being labeled as a cultural moment is, in reality, a display of arrogance and disrespect. He wrote, “It’s a shame how nuisance is being passed on as cute and culture….
. There is definitely nothing spiritual or religious about it, just arrogance and disrespect towards others. Chest thumping has nothing to do with the inner journey towards divinity.”
Bhatt continued her critique by drawing parallels to a broader disregard for law and order, attributing such behaviors to a lack of adherence to basic civic rules. In another post, she emphasized, “If we can’t follow basic rules, there is no hope for law & order to prevail in the real sense. Illegal hoardings of ALL political parties that desecrate the city, the metro being turned into a party zone. Firecrackers being lit in the middle of the street—used as cover by assailants.”
Her comments make a grim reference to a recent tragic incident involving the fatal shooting of NCP leader Baba Siddique, an event overshadowing the city’s festive spirit. Siddique was shot by three attackers under the cover of fireworks during Dussehra. The high-profile nature of this crime is marked by the involvement of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who has previously issued threats against Bollywood actor Salman Khan and has taken responsibility for Siddique’s assassination.
Pooja Bhatt, a reputed figure from the 80s and 90s Bollywood scene, stepped away from fame for a while but has since made a comeback through various OTT appearances. She recently participated in “Bigg Boss OTT 2” and continues to be active in the industry. She is set to appear alongside Suniel Shetty in an upcoming film and was last seen in Prime Video’s series “Big Girls Don’t Cry.”
This incident has reignited critical discussions about the necessity of maintaining decorum in public spaces. It raises essential questions about individual freedoms versus collective responsibilities, especially in the sprawling metropolis of Mumbai, where diverse cultural and religious practices intersect daily. As authorities review the situation, the conversation continues about how public spaces should be utilized and respected by all citizens, regardless of their personal beliefs or festivities.
