As the ugly face of extremist politics is unveiled in supposedly liberal democracies, the threat to life and security extends beyond politics to the realm of entertainment and comedy on a global scale. The arts, a bastion of free expression, are now under siege, and the future of artistic expression is at stake.

From Hollywood to Bollywood, the ground beneath the entertainment world seems to be slipping. Yet, in the face of threats, attacks, and trolling, comedians are displaying remarkable courage. They are refusing to be silenced, even if it means seeking jobs that wouldn’t involve dissent or commenting on the government. Some Hollywood actors are seeking refuge in other countries, where they can continue to express their creativity without fear of retribution from so-called extremist democratic leaders. Their resilience is not only a source of inspiration but also a beacon of hope in these challenging times.

Criticism of the ruling party or leader is often interpreted as anti-nationalism and sedition and thus may be met with severe punishments 

The precarious situation surrounding us has made it challenging to distinguish between a democratic and an undemocratic system at this time. Criticism of the ruling party or leader is often interpreted as anti-nationalism and sedition and thus may be met with severe punishments. Threats, beatings or deportation have become the fate of many such critics from liberal to non-liberal democracies.

Ironically, there seems calm in the countries where narratives of extremism used to be the subject of mainstream liberal media, although they are also dealing with a political storm internally. At least they do not consider themselves as liberal countries, be it Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sudan or Sri Lanka. They do not take high moral ground on human rights or claim to be its champions.

In the world’s most prosperous democracy, the entertainment and professional communities are undergoing great turmoil alongside the political storm

In the world’s most prosperous democracy, the entertainment and professional communities are undergoing great turmoil alongside the political storm, whether it’s in Hollywood, the USAID, education, or secret services departments.

India, which calls itself a big democracy and a secular country, is falling into the deep abyss of right-wing politics, and many artists associated with the entertainment sector are becoming victims of reproach.

Recently, the well-known comedian Kunal Kamra was forced to seek safety in India. After one of his shows, members of the Shiv Sena, a part of the BJP government in Maharashtra, vandalised the Habitat Center and threatened Kunal’s life. Social media was ablaze with the BJP and Shiv Sena’s campaign against Kunal, who had sarcastically commented on the current political climate during his show. He was pressured to apologize, but he stood his ground. He had to apply for anticipatory bail in case of arrest.

The renowned painter MF Hussain, known as the Picasso of India, passed away in exile after being accused of creating a nude painting of Mother India

This is not the first incident; instead, there have been dozens of similar incidents in the past when artists, writers, filmmakers, or comedians were taught a lesson for directly or indirectly making innuendos against the BJP, as seen with Vir Das, Munawar Farooqui, and now Kunal Kamra. The renowned painter MF Hussain, known as the Picasso of India, passed away in exile after being accused of creating a nude painting of Mother India.

Vir Das commented during a show in America that there are two sides to India where women are worshipped during the day and sexually assaulted at night. Then, the media focused on Vir Das for several weeks, as if this was the only issue in India. The press has been engaging in mandir-masjid debates 24/7, brushing aside every other issue, such as unemployment, inflation, or security, under the carpet. At least, the middle class would raise their voices or cry out over the problems, but it seems to be in a state of slumber for a long time now.

The term’ Hindu Rashtra’ refers to a Hindu nation-state, which, if realized, could significantly impact the freedom of expression and rights of minorities in India

Film critic Raisa Darshan asserts that targeting artists or actors is merely an excuse; a project is being rapidly developed to make India a Hindu Rashtra through a renewed version of culture, encompassing films, books, music, and sports. The term’ Hindu Rashtra’ refers to a Hindu nation-state, which, if realised, could significantly impact the freedom of expression and rights of minorities in India. In a Hindu Rashtra, the Hindu culture and religion would dominate all aspects of life, potentially leading to the suppression of other cultural and religious expressions.

A few days ago, communal riots broke out in Nagpur after the release of the film ‘Chaava’. The film portrays the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb as a brutal ruler and depicts his cruelty towards Hindus. The anger of Muslims was not tolerated, but in response, Bajrang Dal and other extremist Hindus tried to demolish Aurangzeb’s tomb. When Muslims raised their voices against it, riots were organised to silence them. The film ‘Chaava’ and its portrayal of Aurangzeb have sparked a heated debate about historical narratives and their impact on communal harmony in India. The irony is that a few Muslims were then jailed and accused of inciting violence in Nagpur. Since this film supports the BJP’s Hindutva agenda, the government announced that it would be shown in Parliament to promote it.

Muslims were asked not to pray in the open during the holy month of Ramadan, whereas Holi and Ramnavami processions have been allotted with special arrangements

Earlier, the BJP promoted the films Kashmir Files and Kerala Story. In some states, the number of moviegoers was increased by giving special concessions. While the filmmakers made a significant income, the image of Muslims was tarnished, and hatred was ignited against them among Hindus.

Bollywood makes more than a thousand films every year, most of which now deal with the Hindu religion, Muslim rule and stories of atrocities on Hindus. Muslims were asked not to pray in the open during the holy month of Ramadan, whereas Holi and Ramnavami processions have been allotted with special arrangements. The politics of religion has shrouded secular ideals, and Muslims are at the receiving end. You may remember that famous comedians Munawar Farooqui, Nalin Yadav and Sarthak Goswami were sent to jail for mocking Hindus and their gods.

In democratic India, the Hindutva brigade not only campaigned politically to portray minorities, especially Muslims, as cruel, brutal and anti-national but also left no stone unturned in spreading this message through the entertainment world

In democratic India, the Hindutva brigade not only campaigned politically to portray minorities, especially Muslims, as cruel, brutal and anti-national but also left no stone unturned in spreading this message through the entertainment world. The ‘othering’ of Muslims has reached the point where they see no future and no rights.

It’s not just India where Islamophobia is deepening. The shadows of intolerance are lengthening in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other democratic countries. This is a global issue, and social media, along with mainstream media, appears to be actively perpetuating it. The recent strong statement from the UN Secretary-General underscores the widespread impact of this issue, making it crucial for us to remain connected and informed and, most importantly, take action against the rising tide of extremism.

 Following President Trump’s arrival in the White House, actors such as Richard Gere and George Clooney felt compelled to leave Hollywood

Consider the personal sacrifices made by artists in the face of rising extremism. Following President Trump’s arrival in the White House, actors such as Richard Gere and George Clooney felt compelled to leave Hollywood. Israeli extremists in the West Bank tortured Oscar-winning  Palestinian Hamdan Bilal, a stark reminder of the personal risks artists face in speaking out against injustice. Their sacrifices, often overlooked, deserve our empathy and appreciation.

Now, how can Kunal Kamra escape from the Hindu extremists where the ground is already getting narrower for secular Hindus and minorities?

While receiving the award in Spain in February, Richard Gere stated that ‘America has descended into a dark era where a thug has become the president.’ It should be noted that Richard is currently residing in Spain.

Earlier, Ariana Grande, Christina Applegate, and John Cusack have hinted at emigrating, calling the current situation the “dangerous face of American democracy.” Trump made a statement against the famous actor George Clooney two days ago, saying that he is a second-class actor and a failed political pundit.

According to commentators, the democratic world has become like a horse without a rein at the moment. There is no control over it, and no institutions established to combat extremism after the Second World War remain in place. Raisa Darshan says that when these countries themselves have abandoned the essence of democracy, how can they teach their model of democracy to the Third World and claim to uphold human rights?

The extent to which human thinking is changing in these countries under the guise of fascist democracy renders it meaningless to criticize Hitler, Mussolini, and Idi Amin

There is a serious debate in non-democratic and Monarchies about why fascism is resurgent in democratic governments or liberal countries despite their trumpeting rights and liberties. At the same time, after Hitler, they left no stone unturned in imposing their new democratic model on post-colonial African and Asian countries. They are closing their borders by making immigration policies, but they are crossing the boundaries of the rest of the world.

Liberal countries may still consider themselves the beacon of democracy by presenting the narrative of a new world order. Still, the extent to which human thinking is changing in these countries under the guise of fascist democracy renders it meaningless to criticize Hitler, Mussolini, and Idi Amin.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.