Bollywood actor Soni Razdan has clarified her earlier comments on bursting firecrackers, asserting they were not aimed at any religion but at highlighting the dangers of air pollution and its impact on public health.
Razdan, known for her candid views, took to social media to explain her stance after her initial remarks sparked debate.
She stressed that knowingly contributing to air pollution, which puts an entire community’s health at risk for personal pleasure, is a serious concern. Razdan questioned why a discussion on public health was being turned into a religious debate, reiterating that her remarks focused on air pollution and its consequences for all citizens, irrespective of their beliefs.
“This is NOT about religion. It is about AIR. It is about children falling ill, missing school and struggling to breathe,” she wrote, urging people not to misinterpret her message about collective responsibility. She highlighted that clean air is essential for every child, a sentiment many parents resonate with, especially in cities grappling with poor air quality during festive seasons.
Her clarification comes amid a wider discussion on firecracker use and air pollution. Earlier, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) faced controversy over an awareness video featuring actor Dia Mirza, which was initially taken down following political objections. The Bombay High Court later expressed displeasure over these objections and directed the BMC to re-upload the video, emphasizing India’s secular nature.