What are Bollywood actors infamous for? Breaking into a song-and-dance at the slightest whim, paparazzi photographs, wearing sunglasses indoors and staying notoriously apolitical on important current events.
While there are some notable exceptions to this rule (we see you, Swara Bhaskar!), there is one actor who’s been quietly using his Twitter to take a stand on issues other Bollywood actors are wary of — Arjun Kapoor.
On his birthday, here’s a selection of his tweets on a variety of issues that show he is more than just ‘Boney ka Launda’.
1. Calling Out The Media For Feeding The Trolls
In the age of digital journalism, anything can make headlines. And most publications are guilty of training their lens on young female actors like Janhvi Kapoor or on highlighting the ‘trolling’ they receive on social media. But Kapoor has come out strongly against such reporting many times; making a sharp point on trolling being news, only if you allow it to be.
In a now deleted story on his sister Janhvi Kapoor, Arjun slammed a website for searching for masala ‘clickbaity’ headlines.
2. Supporting the Kisan Yatra
Arjun was one of the few celebrities who came out in support of the Kisan Yatra which took place in Mumbai in March this year. At a time when most people’s Twitter timelines were filled with complaints at the inconvenience caused by the march, Arjun’s plea for ‘empathy’ was both refreshing and essential.
3. Criticizing the Padmaavat Madness
Remember when someone announced a bounty for beheading Deepika Padukone and you couldn’t believe this was the country we had become? Well, you weren’t alone.
4. Thanking the Paparazzi
No one likes being hounded by a group of photographers after a family outing. But instead of breaking into a fight with the cameras (like some actors we know), Arjun Kapoor requested them not to take his photos. He later thanked the photographers on Twitter for being considerate, acknowledging that they had done so at the ‘cost of their livelihood’.
5. Supporting the Women’s Cricket Team
Yes, I know, supporting the women’s cricket team isn’t an extraordinary effort. Except in a cricket-crazy country like ours where women’s sports doesn’t get a lot of attention, a shoutout from a prominent Bollywood actor is something we can all use a little bit more of.
So, have a great birthday Arjun Kapoor and more power to you!
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