Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor has found herself at the center of a social media storm after chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” during a Janmashtami Dahi Handi celebration in Mumbai on August 16, 2025. The incident, which was captured on video and widely circulated online, sparked criticism from some netizens who claimed the patriotic slogan was out of place at a religious event. In response, Janhvi hit back with a firm statement: “Not just on Janmashtami, I’ll say Bharat Mata Ki Jai every single day.”
The controversy unfolded just days before the release of her upcoming film, Param Sundari, and has reignited debates around patriotism, public expression, and celebrity scrutiny in India’s digital age.
Key Highlights from the Incident
- Janhvi Kapoor attended a Dahi Handi event in Ghatkopar on August 16 as part of Param Sundari promotions
- She chanted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” after BJP MLA Ram Kadam initiated the slogan
- A cropped video clip went viral, leading to online trolling and meme creation
- Janhvi responded via Instagram Stories, sharing the full video and defending her actions
- She stated she would proudly repeat the chant every day, not just on Janmashtami
Context and Clarification
The viral clip showed Janhvi breaking the handi with a coconut and chanting the slogan into a microphone. Critics accused her of confusing Janmashtami with Independence Day, which had been celebrated just a day earlier. However, Janhvi clarified that the chant was prompted by the event’s host, and her repetition was in response to the crowd’s energy.
She posted the full video on social media, showing Ram Kadam leading the chant before she joined in. Janhvi wrote that had she not echoed the slogan, it would have been criticized, and now that she did, the video was edited to mock her. She concluded with a defiant message: “Roz bolungi Bharat Mata ki Jai.”
Public Reaction and Celebrity Scrutiny
The incident highlights the fine line celebrities walk between public enthusiasm and online backlash. While many fans supported Janhvi’s patriotic expression, others questioned the appropriateness of the chant at a religious gathering. The editorial tone of her response suggests frustration with selective outrage and digital decontextualization.
- Celebrities often face trolling for spontaneous public remarks
- Edited clips can distort context and fuel viral criticism
- Janhvi’s response reflects growing awareness of digital accountability
Film Promotions and Cultural Engagement
Janhvi’s appearance at the Dahi Handi event was part of her promotional campaign for Param Sundari, a romantic comedy co-starring Sidharth Malhotra. At the event, she also delivered a speech in Marathi, wished attendees a happy Janmashtami, and urged them to watch the film on its release date, August 29.
Param Sundari explores a cross-cultural romance between a Delhi boy and a Kerala girl, and marks Janhvi and Sidharth’s first on-screen pairing. The trailer has received positive feedback, and the film is expected to be a mainstream entertainer with regional flavor.
- Janhvi and Sidharth are promoting Param Sundari across multiple cities
- The film is directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Dinesh Vijan
- Janhvi’s Marathi speech at the event was well received by local audiences
Looking Ahead
Janhvi Kapoor’s assertive response to the trolling has sparked conversations about patriotism, digital ethics, and the role of public figures in shaping cultural narratives. Her decision to stand by her words, despite criticism, reflects a growing trend among celebrities to reclaim agency in the age of viral content.
As Param Sundari gears up for release, Janhvi’s public persona continues to evolve—balancing glamour, grit, and a willingness to speak her mind.
Sources: Outlook India, DNA India, Hindustan Times, Masala, NDTV, MSN India.
