Janhvi Kapoor Chants ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ at Dahi Handi Event, Faces Trolls Online
Mumbai witnessed a mix of festivity and controversy this Janmashtami when Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor’s slogan at a Dahi Handi event became the latest subject of online trolling.
The Incident
On August 16, 2025, during Krishna Janmashtami celebrations, Janhvi attended a Dahi Handi event in Mumbai as part of the promotional campaign for her upcoming film Param Sundari. Standing on stage amid a large gathering, she raised the slogan “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, which quickly went viral across social media platforms.
While the audience at the venue cheered, the online response was mixed. Some netizens claimed that on Janmashtami, slogans like “Jai Shri Krishna” or “Govinda Ala Re” would have been more appropriate. A section of users mocked her saying she confused Independence Day with Janmashtami, since “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” is often associated with patriotic contexts.
Janhvi Kapoor’s Response
Amid the trolling, Janhvi didn’t stay silent. Taking to Instagram, she shared her perspective, clarifying that the slogan was a spontaneous expression of energy and pride. She said if she had not repeated the chant after someone else on stage, people would still have found a reason to criticize.
Janhvi stood by her words, stating that she felt no regret in chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and urged people to understand the emotion of the moment instead of dissecting it with negativity.
Social Media Divided
As with most celebrity controversies, reactions were polarized:
- Criticism: Many users argued that slogans at religious festivals should align with the context. They felt Janhvi’s chant disrupted the spiritual atmosphere of Janmashtami. Some sarcastically commented that it seemed like she had “mistaken the day for Independence Day.”
- Support: Others defended her, pointing out that “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” is a patriotic slogan that symbolizes national pride, and there was nothing wrong in raising it at a cultural celebration. Supporters praised her confidence in not backing down despite the trolling.
Culture vs. Promotion: The Larger Debate
This incident highlights a recurring dilemma in India’s celebrity culture—how film promotions, cultural events, and religious sentiments often collide.
- Promotional Angle: Janhvi was present primarily for promoting her film. In the heat of the moment, a patriotic chant seemed natural to her, but it quickly sparked a cultural debate.
- Public Scrutiny: The episode also underlines how every move by public figures is magnified under social media’s unforgiving lens. A single phrase uttered in enthusiasm can snowball into national discussion.
- Freedom of Expression vs. Context: The debate now extends beyond Janhvi herself. Should public personalities always tailor their words to cultural expectations, or should spontaneous patriotic expressions be respected, regardless of context?
Conclusion
Janhvi Kapoor’s “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” chant at a Janmashtami event has triggered a heated conversation on patriotism, cultural appropriateness, and celebrity accountability. While trolls questioned her choice of slogan, her firm response showed resilience and conviction.
This controversy is a reminder of how small moments can become big talking points in the age of social media. It also highlights the delicate balance celebrities must maintain between spontaneity, cultural sensitivity, and the relentless scrutiny of the digital world.
Whether one views her chant as misplaced or patriotic, one thing is clear—Janhvi Kapoor has once again sparked a national conversation, proving that in today’s India, even a slogan can carry weight far beyond its immediate context.
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