Indian filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma provoked widespread backlash online on Monday after comparing Israel’s attacks and bombardment of Gaza to the Hindu festival of Diwali, a remark many social media users described as “depraved” and “inhumane”.
Varma, known for films such as Satya and Company, wrote on X: “In INDIA only one day is DIWALI and in GAZA, every day is DIWALI🔥🔥🔥.”
The comment came as millions across India – and the globe – celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, which marks the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile and symbolises the triumph of good over evil.
It is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, celebrated with lights, sweets, fireworks and prayers for prosperity.
Varma’s comparison of Israel’s genocide in Gaza to the joyous festival drew immediate condemnation from both Indian and international audiences.
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“One of India’s leading film directors (6 million followers) celebrates his holiday by mocking the killing of children in Gaza,” one user wrote.
“Pretty sad if the only way you can celebrate your holiday is by relishing in the suffering of others. This is why the [Prime Minister Narendra] Modi regime is a laughing stock.”
Another said: “He is conflating a rich cultural heritage of Hindu auspiciousness (Diwali) with daily mass murders by the Zionists of helpless children and women (Gaza) via deadly bombs. I cannot understand this depravity.”
Several commenters accused Varma of showing insensitivity towards Palestinian suffering.
“Comparing a genocide to a festival is not only insensitive, it’s inhumane,” posted one user, adding that “Mocking that suffering shows a lack of basic humanity”.
Others expressed dismay at the impact such remarks have on perceptions of Hindus, and the festival, internationally.
“Wtf is wrong with you?” one user said. “Diwali is a festival where we celebrate Shri Ram’s return to his kingdom. It’s a festival of light, prosperity, positivity, and you are associating it with death and war… Delete it.”
Middle East Eye has reached out to Varma for comment.
Protests over India’s Israel ties
The backlash comes amid growing domestic scrutiny over India’s deepening ties with Israel.
Earlier this month, thousands of protesters took to the streets in New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other cities, demanding the government sever relations with Israel as part of a global commemoration marking two years of genocide in Gaza.
In Rohtak, in the state of Haryana, at least six protesters were detained and allegedly beaten by both vigilantes and the police.
Since October 2023, the Indian government has emerged as one Israel’s strongest allies.
Delhi has abstained from several ceasefire resolutions, sidestepped an international call for a military embargo and refused to join the genocide case at the International Court of Justice in the Hague.
Though the number of protesters taking to the streets in recent weeks is modest compared to the mobilisations that took place in Italy and Spain, activists say that momentum towards a mass movement against India’s continued support for Israel is slowly building.
