KKN Gurugram Desk | In the midst of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt’s mother, Soni Razdan, has found herself at the center of controversy following her recent social media post advocating for peace between the two nations. The incident has sparked a debate over her citizenship status and her right to comment on national issues, highlighting the complex intersection of celebrity, politics, and public perception in India.

The Controversial Post

On May 10, 2025, Soni Razdan shared a post on her social media platforms urging her followers to sign a peace petition aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan. The post included a link to the petition, accompanied by the message, “Most importantly – sign the peace petition. Link in bio.” However, the post was later deleted, leading to widespread speculation about her intentions and the reasons for its removal.

Public Reaction and Backlash

The call for peace did not sit well with a segment of social media users, who criticized Razdan for what they perceived as an inappropriate plea during a time of national crisis. One user commented, “While peace is an ideal goal, it is important to recognize who is actually escalating the conflict. Our soldiers are conducting targeted operations with caution, while on the other side, residential areas are openly attacked, and civilians are killed.” Another user questioned her credibility, stating, “This message is coming from someone whose daughter enjoys all the privileges of India while holding foreign citizenship, raising concerns about sincerity and accountability.”

In response to these criticisms, Soni Razdan clarified her position, stating, “My appeal for peace was directed towards Pakistan, not India. We are merely retaliating, and that is justified. I believe people have jumped to conclusions too quickly. This was a general statement. I hope this clears things up. War is a terrible thing. Anyone who has experienced war wouldn’t wish it upon anyone else.”

Alia Bhatt’s Stand on the Issue

Amidst the controversy surrounding her mother’s post, Alia Bhatt took to social media to express her support for the Indian Armed Forces. She stated, “I salute our armed forces today and every day. Jai Hind.” This statement was seen as her way of reaffirming her patriotism and distancing herself from the debate over her mother’s peace petition. Alia emphasized the importance of maintaining calm and unity during such challenging times, acknowledging the vigilance and dangers faced by soldiers while protecting the nation.

Citizenship Debate Resurfaces

The incident has reignited discussions about Soni Razdan and Alia Bhatt’s citizenship status. Both hold British passports, with Soni having lived in India since she was three months old. In previous statements, Soni has defended her right to comment on Indian politics, stating that her citizenship does not diminish her connection to the country. She has also pointed out that she pays taxes in India and holds an Overseas Citizen of India card.

Despite these clarifications, the public continues to scrutinize the duo’s national allegiance, often questioning their right to voice opinions on sensitive national issues. This scrutiny reflects a broader trend where celebrities’ personal and political views are closely examined, sometimes leading to backlash when their statements are perceived as controversial.

The Role of Social Media in Shaping Public Opinion

This incident underscores the significant role social media plays in shaping public opinion and holding public figures accountable. While platforms like Twitter and Instagram provide celebrities with a direct line to their audience, they also expose them to immediate criticism and scrutiny. In this case, Soni Razdan’s attempt to promote peace was met with swift backlash, highlighting the polarized nature of public discourse in the digital age.

The rapid spread of reactions, both supportive and critical, demonstrates how social media can amplify voices and opinions, influencing public perception and, in some cases, affecting the careers and reputations of those involved.

The controversy surrounding Soni Razdan’s peace petition and the subsequent discussions about her and Alia Bhatt’s citizenship status illustrate the complex dynamics between celebrity, politics, and public perception in India. While the desire for peace is a universal sentiment, the context in which such appeals are made can significantly impact their reception. This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges public figures face in navigating sensitive national issues and the power of social media in shaping public discourse.

As tensions between India and Pakistan continue, the role of celebrities in influencing public opinion remains a topic of debate. Their statements can inspire dialogue and reflection, but they also carry the risk of controversy, especially when addressing complex and sensitive issues.