KKN Gurugram Desk | After nearly three weeks of silence on one of the most brutal terror attacks in recent times — the Pahalgam massacre — Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan has finally addressed the incident. His reaction, however, came not through a typical statement or press conference but via a cryptic, poetic post on social media, which has stirred further controversy and criticism.

Fans and critics alike have taken to social platforms to question the timing, tone, and intent of the post, accusing the veteran actor of responding under public pressure and engaging in symbolic commentary instead of making a clear stance.

Background: The Pahalgam Attack That Shook India

On April 22, 2025, a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, including several tourists and locals. The attackers were reported to have specifically targeted families and carried out barbaric acts, including public executions and desecration of bodies.

The incident sparked nationwide outrage, leading to India’s strong military retaliation under Operation Sindoor, and a cascade of political and cultural responses from across the country. Celebrities, politicians, activists, and citizens condemned the act — except one towering figure: Amitabh Bachchan.

Silence on Social Media: The Numbered Tweets Controversy

Known for his regular engagement on the microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter), Amitabh Bachchan starts each of his posts with a number, a personal count of his tweets.

However, following the Pahalgam attack and amid increasing tension between India and Pakistan, Amitabh limited his posts to only tweet numbers, without any messages, images, or comments. This silent streak, spanning over 19 days, led to widespread criticism.

Critics accused him of avoiding political or sensitive national issues, especially when other influential figures were openly expressing solidarity with victims and support for national forces.

The Poetic Post That Sparked More Outrage

On May 11, Amitabh Bachchan finally broke his silence. In a deeply poetic but emotionally jarring post, he narrated what appeared to be an account of the Pahalgam attack in metaphorical terms. The post read:

“While on vacation, that demon dragged out an innocent couple, stripped the husband, performed his ‘ritual’, and then shot him — even as the wife knelt, begging and crying for mercy. After making her a widow, the demon told her — ‘No, you go… and tell your people…’”

Though the post received immediate attention, many social media users responded with harsh criticism, accusing Bachchan of:

• Deliberate delay in acknowledging the tragedy

• Ambiguity in expressing condemnation

• Using dramatic language instead of a direct call for justice

• Attempting to appease public outrage with symbolism

Public Reaction: Praise, Pressure, and Trolls

The backlash was swift. Hashtags like #TooLittleTooLate, #SelectiveOutrage, and #PublicPressureHero trended across X.

Voices from the Internet:

• “When the nation needed voices, you were silent. Don’t speak now under public pressure.”

• “Your poetry doesn’t comfort the families who lost their loved ones. Where were you when they were crying out?”

• “Big B is big only for the box office, not for the nation. Disappointed.”

However, some loyal fans defended him, arguing that everyone has their own way of processing grief and that artistic expression must not be equated with apathy.

Celebrities and Public Figures React

While no direct response came from Bollywood peers, subtle tweets from actors like Kangana Ranaut and Anupam Kher seemed to allude to the controversy:

“Nationalism is not a costume worn during film promotions; it’s a value lived every day.”

“When your voice matters, silence is also a statement.”

These remarks fueled speculation that the industry itself is divided on how its icons should respond to national tragedies.

Why the Criticism Matters: Celebrity Responsibility in National Crises

In India, celebrities often serve as cultural ambassadors. Their voices influence millions. When someone as influential as Amitabh Bachchan remains silent during a national tragedy, it is not just noticed — it’s interpreted.

Activists and analysts believe such silence:

• Undermines collective mourning

• Encourages apolitical detachment in public discourse

• Signals selective activism based on brand image management

Media Strategist Riya Kapoor says:

“Public figures don’t have the luxury of neutrality anymore — especially in the face of terrorism. Silence is perceived as complicity.”

Bachchan’s Previous Stance on National Issues

Interestingly, Amitabh Bachchan has previously spoken out on:

• The Pulwama attack (2019)

• COVID-19 campaigns

• Swachh Bharat and Beti Bachao missions

So, his muted response to Pahalgam stood out sharply in contrast, prompting debates about consistency and commitment to national causes.

The Role of Social Media in Shaping Narrative

The incident also underscores the power of social media in demanding accountability from celebrities. Whether it was Amitabh’s silence or his eventual poetic response, each move was scrutinized, judged, and responded to in real time by netizens.

While Amitabh Bachchan’s poetic post may have intended to evoke emotion and offer a tribute, its timing and tone have left many questioning the sincerity of the gesture. In an era where public influence is wielded online and accountability is measured in real-time reactions, even legends are expected to stand up clearly and promptly in moments of national grief.

Whether the backlash fades or intensifies will depend not just on social media trends, but on how India’s most revered personalities balance celebrity status with civic responsibility.