Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh
After the derogatory remarks made by some Maldivian ministers against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi went viral on social media, many Indian celebrities came out in support and indirectly asked Indians to explore more of Indian Islands instead of foreign nations.
Salman Khan on his X account wrote, "It is cool to see our Hon PM Narendrabhai Modi at the beautiful clean and stunning beaches of Lakshadweep and the best part of that yeh hamare India mein hain."
Sachin Tendulkar while sharing a video of playing cricket on a beach, reflected on his 50th birthday celebration in Sindhudurg and emphasized India's abundant beauty with its coastlines and islands, encouraging exploration and the creation of lasting memories in alignment with the "Atithi Devo Bhava" philosophy. He concluded with a hashtag saying "Explore Indian Islands".
Bollywood Actor John Abraham also took to his X account endorsed Lakshadweep by saying, "With the amazing Indian hospitality, the idea of "Atithi Devo Bhava" and a vast marine life to explore. Lakshadweep is the place to go." Like Tendulkar, Abraham also concluded with his post with a hashtag of "Explore Indian Islands".
Former Indian cricketer Virendra Sehwag posted some beautiful pictures of Indian tourist destinations on his X account. He highlighted that the beauty of lesser-known places in India, such as Udupi and Paradise Beach in Pondicherry. He encouraged turning challenges into opportunities, addressing recent comments by Maldives ministers as a chance for India to enhance infrastructure, attract tourists, and boost the economy.
Amitabh Bachchan retweeted a X post by cricketer Virender Singh, who commended numerous undiscovered locations in India. Bachchan said that he has been to Lakshadweep and Andamans and praised the beauty of the two Indian Island.
In sarcastic post, comedian Vir Das addressed Indian influencers and celebrities who went to Maldives for vacation but now hesitate to share its pictures on social media. He wrote, ""Firstly, happy Lakshadweep is getting some love! Secondly, somewhere in the Maldives, right now, is an Indian celebrity/ influencer, who didn’t eat carbs for two weeks, took the best vacation photos ever, and is TERRIFIED to post them."
Shraddha Kapoor and various Bollywood actors, including Sara Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Urvashi Rautela, shared photos of Lakshadweep on their Instagram account amid calls for boycotting the Maldives. The move by these celebrities aligns with promoting Indian tourism, with PM Modi recently sharing his trip pictures to Lakshadweep Islands.