Actor Isha Koppikar has hit back at what she called “classic sophists” for twisting her ‘proud andhbhakt’ remark, a day after her Instagram video on loving India and wanting to see the country progress drew attention. On Tuesday, Isha called herself a proud ‘andhbhakt’, saying her devotion was not towards any political party but towards the country.
On Wednesday, the actor posted a note on Instagram Stories to clarify her stand. Her response came after her use of the term ‘andhbhakt’, often used for a blind follower of a political party or leader, prompted reactions online.
In her note, Isha wrote, “For all the classic sophists twisting words to confuse people: If you can be ‘Andha in love’ then why can’t you be ‘Andh Bhakt’ in love with your country?” She added, “You can be both: Andh Bhakt and Desh Bhakt (sic).”
The term ‘andha in love’ translates to being blind in love. Meanwhile, ‘andh bhakt’ is usually used to describe a blind follower of a political party or leader.
In the video posted on Instagram on Tuesday, Isha said, “Yes, I am an andhbhakt. If it is bhakti (devotion) to love your country and want to see it progress, then yes, I am proud to be a bhakt andhbhakt. But my blind devotion is not towards any political party; it’s towards my country. Nation first. I can question the government and disagree with its policies. And still love my country wholeheartedly.”
She also said she was . “This country is my home, where I have earned and continue to earn a livelihood and where I continue to get opportunities. So, I am not ashamed to be proud of my country. Wherever you may live, learn to love that place, respect that place, and contribute to it. Be proud of the home you choose. Because patriotism is not just saying, I love my country. It is doing something that improves your country.”
In the caption to her video, Isha wrote, “If loving India is ‘andhbhakti,’ then I’ll proudly wear the label. Because I can question what feels wrong, appreciate what feels right, and still put my nation above everything (sic).”
Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut also backed her statement , and sharing her own experiences of standing up for her beliefs and love for the country.