Ram Gopal Varma Faces Backlash for Calling Gaza Genocide “Every Day’s Diwali”
Filmmaker condemned for insensitive post equating Gaza’s devastation with India’s festival of lights.
Mumbai – Indian filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has come under intense criticism both in India and abroad for a social media post that appeared to mock the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands of civilians have died amid Israeli military operations.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Varma wrote:
“In INDIA only one day is DIWALI and in GAZA, every day is DIWALI,”
a comment that drew outrage for its apparent insensitivity and for equating a brutal conflict with a joyous festival.
Critics accused the director of making light of a humanitarian tragedy and trivializing the suffering of Palestinian civilians. His post comes amid widespread global condemnation of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have left entire neighborhoods in ruins and caused massive civilian casualties, including women and children.
Award-winning journalist Rana Ayyub reposted the comment with sharp criticism, writing:
“What is left for a virus to kill in a morally corrupt nation.”
Journalist and columnist Sara Ather added,
“People outside India cannot even begin to comprehend the absolute gutter level of politics that is mainstream in India and is very much advocated by Indian celebrities.”
Academic and activist Rakhi Tripathi condemned the remark, saying:
“Diwali is about hope, light, and renewal. Gaza is about survival. This man doesn’t know the difference between celebration and devastation.”
Others, like Ali Asad, described the comment as emblematic of a “truly disgusting society,” accusing some Indian public figures of aligning themselves with oppressive ideologies.
The backlash reflects growing concern over how influential figures in India are responding—or failing to respond with compassion to international crises. Critics have also raised questions about the normalization of hate speech and dehumanizing rhetoric on social media platforms.
Activists and netizens called on X to take action against Varma’s post, citing its potential to spread hate and mock the mass killing of civilians.
As of now, Ram Gopal Varma has neither deleted the post nor issued an apology or clarification.
The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with international human rights organizations calling for immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access. Against this backdrop, public figures are increasingly being held accountable for their words and their silences.
