Bangladeshi actress Jaya Ahsan has faced criticism on social media after taking part in a midnight walk in Kolkata ahead of India’s Independence Day.
The event was organised on the eve of 15 August by West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul and a leading media organisation.
Jaya joined veteran actresses Rituparna Sengupta, Chaiti Ghoshal and Indrani Haldar as they walked through the streets of Kolkata.
Jaya’s participation drew mixed reactions online, with some social media users questioning why a Bangladeshi actress had joined an event marking India’s Independence Day.
Tollywood actress Sreelekha Mitra also joined the discussion, sharing a post on Facebook that questioned Jaya’s participation and her national identity.
In the post, Sreelekha sarcastically questioned when Jaya had “become Indian” and referred to the actress as a Bangladeshi who was participating in India’s Independence Day celebrations.
She also made references to political and communal issues in India while criticising the reactions surrounding Jaya’s participation.
Sharing the post, Sreelekha added a sarcastic caption referring to “religion”, “interests” and “patriotism”, suggesting that those who did not conform to certain ideas were labelled anti-national.
Jaya had reportedly been specially invited to the walkathon by minister Agnimitra Paul.
She cancelled her return flight to Dhaka and joined fellow performers including Emon and Poushali in singing songs ranging from Karar Oi Louho Kopat to Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon.
However, the event was not solely focused on India’s Independence Day celebrations.
According to the organisers, the walkathon also aimed to promote women’s freedom, safety and equal rights. Jaya participated in the event in support of that message.
The controversy continued in the comments section of Sreelekha’s post. One social media user mocked Jaya by comparing her appearance alongside Rituparna to a derogatory reference.
Sreelekha responded to the comment by identifying Jaya.
Jaya has established a career across both Bangladesh and West Bengal, working extensively in Dhallywood and Tollywood.
