Veteran actor Soni Razdan has clarified her controversial remarks describing the bursting of firecrackers during Diwali as "anti-national", following criticism on social media. A day after her initial statement triggered a debate, the actor took to X to explain that her comments were about air pollution and public health, not religion.
The controversy began when Soni shared a post highlighting the impact of air pollution on children. She pointed out that many young children were falling ill and missing school because of poor air quality. Questioning the justification for bursting even a single firecracker during Diwali, she described the practice as "anti-life, anti-health and yes... anti-national".
Her choice of the word 'anti-national' attracted considerable attention, with several social media users questioning her statement and linking it to religious sentiments.
Responding to the criticism, Soni clarified that her intention had been misunderstood. In her latest post, she said that bursting firecrackers does not make someone nationalistic, nor does choosing not to burst them make anyone anti-national.
She argued that knowingly contributing to dangerous levels of air pollution for a few moments of personal enjoyment was irresponsible. According to her, putting the health of an entire community at risk was a much more serious issue.
The actor also questioned why discussions about public health were repeatedly being turned into religious debates. Emphasising that clean air was a concern for everyone, irrespective of religion, faith or beliefs, she urged people not to distort her message.
Soni further highlighted the difficulties faced by children because of pollution, including respiratory problems, illness and missed school days. She stressed that protecting children's health should be a collective responsibility.
Her clarification comes amid a separate controversy involving actor Dia Mirza and a pollution-awareness video. The video, which promoted a pollution-free Diwali, was removed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) following an objection from the BJP.
The matter subsequently reached the Bombay High Court, which criticised the civic body's decision and emphasised that environmental protection was not a religious issue. The court also directed the civic body to re-upload the deleted video.
The court observed that India is a secular country and that people of every religion and caste breathe the same air. It questioned why awareness campaigns concerning the environment should become controversial.
Against this backdrop, Soni's clarification has brought the debate over firecrackers, religious sentiments and environmental responsibility back into focus. Her central message remains that clean air and children's health should take priority over arguments surrounding religious identity.
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