31 October 2023, Mumbai: Shubhneet Singh, the popular rapper known as Shubh, is once again in the spotlight, but this time for all the wrong reasons. An allegedly pro-Khalistani social media account, SherePanjabUK, posted a video of Shubh wearing a hoodie during his recent concert in London. The caption of the video raised allegations that he was glorifying the assassins of former Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. This has ignited a storm of controversy on social media, with accusations of celebrating a tragic event.
Social Media Outcry and Accusations
The video shared by SherePanjabUK featured Shubh wearing a hoodie with an illustration depicting Indira Gandhi being greeted by Shaheed Bhai Satwant Singh and Shaheed Bhai Beant Singh, who were involved in her assassination. The caption referred to them as martyrs, sparking outrage. To make matters worse, the video was shared on the anniversary of the former Prime Minister’s death, prompting demands for a ban on Shubh in India.
Hoodie Mix-up and Online Criticism
However, upon closer examination of the video, it becomes clear that the hoodie Shubh was seen wearing in London was not the same one that was being promoted by pro-Khalistani groups. Videos from the concert revealed that Shubh’s hoodie featured a map of Punjab with the names of its districts clearly written on it. Although the illustration was similar to the one depicting Indira Gandhi’s assassination, it was not identical.
Public Reaction and Kangana Ranaut’s Criticism
Despite this clarification, Shubh continues to face significant backlash. Actress Kangana Ranaut also joined the fray, criticizing him on Twitter. She expressed her disapproval of celebrating the killing of an elderly woman by those she had entrusted with her security. She called it an act of cowardice and condemned the attack on a leader of a democracy. Kangana, who is set to portray Indira Gandhi in her upcoming film, “Emergency,” called it a shameful act, not an act of bravery.
‘Still Rolling’ Tour Previous Controversy and Apology
Prior to this incident, Shubh had already attracted controversy by sharing a distorted map of India, which led to accusations of supporting Khalistan and separatist movements. Celebrities, including Virat Kohli, unfollowed him on social media, and his India music tour, the ‘Still Rolling Tour,’ was canceled. In response, Shubh issued an apology, stating that it was unintentional. He expressed his deep disappointment over the tour’s cancellation and emphasized his love for India and Punjab, where he was born, and his ancestry’s contributions to the country’s freedom struggle. He urged people not to label every Punjabi as a separatist or anti-national, citing their historical sacrifices for the nation.
FAQ
Q1: What is the Shubh Hoodie Controversy?
: The Shubh Hoodie Controversy involves allegations that rapper Shubh was glorifying the assassins of former Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, by wearing a controversial hoodie during a concert.
Q2: Who accused Shubh of supporting Khalistani sentiments?
: Shubh was accused of supporting Khalistani sentiments by an allegedly pro-Khalistani social media account called SherePanjabUK.
Q3: What was depicted on the controversial hoodie that Shubh wore?
: The controversial hoodie featured an illustration depicting Indira Gandhi being greeted by individuals involved in her assassination, Shaheed Bhai Satwant Singh and Shaheed Bhai Beant Singh.
Q4: How did Shubh respond to the accusations regarding the hoodie controversy?
: Shubh clarified that the hoodie he wore in London featured a map of Punjab with district names, and it was not the same as the one promoted by pro-Khalistani groups.
Q5: Who criticized Shubh on social media, and what were their comments?
: Actress Kangana Ranaut criticized Shubh on Twitter, expressing disapproval of celebrating the killing of Indira Gandhi and calling it an act of cowardice.
Q6: What was the previous controversy involving Shubh?
: Shubh faced a previous controversy for sharing a distorted map of India, leading to accusations of supporting Khalistan and separatist movements.
By Yashika Desai