Sunil Lahri, popularly known for his role as Lakshman in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic TV series Ramayan, found himself at the center of controversy after sharing a video on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. While his tribute to Lal Bahadur Shastri was well-received, his remarks on Mahatma Gandhi stirred up an unexpected backlash from some sections of social media.
Sunil Lahri’s Gandhi Jayanti Post
On October 2, Lahri posted a video on his social media to wish his fans and followers on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and Lal Bahadur Shastri’s birth anniversary. In the video, he praised Shastri for his contributions to India, particularly his famous slogan, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.”
However, when speaking about Mahatma Gandhi, Lahri’s tone took a different turn. He sarcastically referenced Gandhi’s teachings, particularly the principle of non-violence and the famous saying, “If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other.” Lahri also mentioned Gandhi’s three monkeys, saying, “Mahatma Gandhi gave us three monkeys and taught us to see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. But because of this, our country is suffering today.”
Mixed Reactions from Social Media
While many fans appreciated Lahri’s honesty and point of view, others were not pleased with his remarks on the Father of the Nation. Social media platforms soon saw a flood of mixed reactions. One user commented, “It’s disappointing to see such comments about Gandhiji, especially from someone who played such an iconic role.” Another added, “You are a public figure, and this doesn’t suit your image. It was not expected from you.”
However, some supported his perspective. Some fans echoed his sentiments, stating that it’s a democratic country and everyone has the right to voice their opinions. They praised Lahri for speaking his mind.
Lahri Responds to Criticism
Responding to the backlash, Sunil Lahri acknowledged the critical comments but defended his stance. In his reply to one user, he mentioned, “We live in a democratic country, and everyone is entitled to their opinions. What seems right to me may not be right for someone else, and vice versa.”
He also clarified that his comments were not politically motivated, saying, “I have no interest in politics. This is just my point of view, and I respect everyone’s right to disagree.”
The Debate Continues
The incident has sparked an ongoing discussion about the relevance of Gandhi’s principles in today’s world. While some see Lahri’s comments as a fresh perspective on historical teachings, others believe that the actor’s remarks could have been more respectful, especially considering Gandhi’s legacy.
Sunil Lahri’s video has now become a point of conversation, with fans and critics debating the boundaries of free speech and the responsibility that public figures hold when sharing their personal views.
