Sun Nov 17 12:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Actress Swara Bhasker Faces Backlash After Photo with Controversial Religious Leader
**Mumbai, India –** Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker is facing intense online criticism after a photograph surfaced showing her with Maulana Sajjad Nomani, spokesperson for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. The photo, shared by Bhasker’s husband, Fahad Ahmad, on Twitter, depicts the couple with Nomani, who has previously made controversial statements about women.
The image sparked a firestorm on social media, with users targeting both Bhasker’s appearance and her association with Nomani. Bhasker, known for her outspoken views and activism, is currently campaigning for her husband, who is contesting the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The meeting with Nomani is seen as particularly controversial given his past remarks, including a statement suggesting that even if a girl attends college without a hijab, she should not be left alone, prompting significant backlash.
Bhasker’s attire in the photograph – a peach-colored suit with a dupatta covering her head – has also been subject to criticism, with trolls focusing on her weight and questioning why she wasn’t wearing a burqa. This criticism is considered particularly hypocritical given Bhasker’s advocacy for women’s rights and social justice.
This is not the first time Bhasker has found herself embroiled in controversy. Recently, she criticized Chief Justice DY Chandrachud for his comments on the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute.
The photograph and ensuing backlash highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding religious politics and women’s rights in India, and the scrutiny faced by public figures who express strong opinions. The incident underscores the volatile nature of social media and the intense pressure on celebrities to conform to certain societal expectations.
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