Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker has voiced her support for journalist Arfa Khanum Sherwani after veteran actor Paresh Rawal referred to her as 'trash' in a recent social media exchange. The controversy erupted after Paresh Rawal reacted to a post comparing actress Preity Zinta and the journalist.
The now-viral post read, "Preity Zinta can keep 100 house maids like @khanumarfa." Responding to it, the Hera Pheri actor commented, "NO Because you don’t hire trash to clean the trash," which led to severe criticism online.
The journalist also received hate on X (formerly known as Twitter) after Paresh Rawal's post surfaced.
Swara Bhasker, known for her outspoken views, took to X on Thursday (February 27) to condemn the online hate directed at the journalist.
However, she did not mention Paresh Rawal or his post. She wrote, "The kind of hate, vitriol & abuse @khanumarfa has to deal with online is a shameful reminder of how bigotry & misogyny go hand in hand. Stand strong, Arfa! You are amazing and more power to your voice."
The exchange has once again highlighted the political and ideological differences between Swara and Paresh Rawal, both of whom have been quite vocal about their contrasting views. While Bhasker has often been critical of the ruling establishment, Paresh Rawal has openly supported it.
The comment by the actor has drawn sharp criticism, with many calling it disrespectful and uncalled for. However, his supporters argue that he was merely expressing his opinion.
Meanwhile, on the work front, Swara made her film debut with a supporting role in the 2009 drama Madholal Keep Walking. She was last seen in the film Jahaan Chaar Yaar in 2022.
The actress next has Mrs Falani in the pipeline. While the shoot of the film has been completed, its release date is yet to be announced by the makers.
