[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]Shaan Mukherji’s Eid Mubarak greeting to his Muslim fans drew criticism from Indian trolls who questioned his right to greet a community to which he did not belong. Instead of succumbing to pressure and apologising, the Hindu singer responded to the criticism by urging his fans to show empathy and kindness to people of different faiths.
In an Instagram Live video, Shaan stated that this year, both Hindus and Muslims celebrated their religious festivals on the same day, and that his greeting was intended to be a “sign of respect and tolerance” towards other religions.
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“I have come live after a few days. Today is Eid, the Parshuram festival and Akshay Tritya. I shared an Instagram post to wish my fans [on] Eid which is a screenshot from a music video I did three years ago, where I am reading namaaz,” he gave context. “I have come to Mangalore for an event, and I have been seeing the comments on it, that is why, despite being a Hindu, I posted [a picture] where I am dressed as Muslims would.”
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Emphasing on how his video is an explanation and not a justification, the singer said, “This is not a justification, but this live is merely being done because I wanted to talk about this a bit more. If you want to give that occasion or moment its due respect in a certain way, why is there such an issue over it? That post or that wish is not going to change the way I feel about my faith or you about yours. So why so much noise over it?” he said.
The singer added that such an extremist mindset is a threat to India’s progress as a nation. “We are a progressive nation, but if we cannot even harbour this much respect and tolerance for other faiths and religions than our own, we won’t make any progress. I want people to think about these things. I am a Hindu and Brahmin, but I am also a person and I am an Indian so I know how to respect everyone’s culture.”
The singer also pointed out his fans’ hypocrisy by adding that he had previously shared pictures of himself at the Golden Temple, where covering one’s head is mandatory, without any backlash. “I have gone to the Golden Temple as well and shared photos where you are required to cover your head. But there, I did not see such reactions,” he said.
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The Instagram Live video was created in response to the backlash received by Shaan’s photo, in which he was dressed in a white shalwar kameez and prayer cap to greet his Muslim fans on Eid.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
