Bigg Boss 18 winner Karan Veer Mehra has addressed the controversy surrounding his poetry video, which he posted shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. The video featured Mehra reciting a poem by actor Ashutosh Rana, sparking a mixed response online. While the poem was meant to convey a message of unity and peace, some netizens and celebrities misinterpreted it as insensitive or ill-timed.
Clarification and Strong Condemnation
Facing criticism from social media users and public figures like Elvish Yadav and Kushal Tandon, Mehra took to his social media platforms to issue a detailed clarification. He explained the poem’s deeper message and expressed his condolences for the victims of the attack.
“An eye for an eye will NOT leave the whole world blind, the last person will still have one eye, & we all know who that last person might be. But the real question is, would YOU rather break the chain of hate and make the world a better place?” Mehra wrote.
He also condemned the terror attack unequivocally, stating, “My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the Pahalgam attack. May the perpetrators face the strongest punishment they deserve. We are not scared. We are not afraid.” He concluded his message with a powerful line, quoting Suniel Shetty: “Agli chutti Kashmir mein.”
A Call for Unity Through Poetry
The poem recited by Mehra was originally penned by Ashutosh Rana and highlights the irrationality of religious divisions. Beginning with poignant lines like “Baat diya iss dharti ko, Kya chand-sitaaron ka hoga?” the poem questions societal divisions created by extremism.
It continues with, “Shiv ki Ganga bhi paani hai, aabe zam zam bhi paani hai. Pandit bhi piye, Mulla bhi piye, toh paani ka mazhab kya hoga?” emphasizing the shared humanity between different communities.
The poem closes with a scathing critique of sectarianism: “Bas humne insaan na hone ki hai kasam khayi,” urging people to rise above religion and identify first and foremost as human beings.
An Attempt at Healing Through Art
Despite the backlash, Karan Veer Mehra’s intention was to promote peace and unity during a time of national grief. His heartfelt response and the poem’s powerful message serve as a reminder of art’s ability to heal and challenge hate.
