Hrithik Roshan and Abhay Deol reacted to the ‘smash the patriarchy’ remark and the subsequent ‘Vande Mataram’ challenge. Their comments came after a video of the remarks resurfaced online.
Entertainment desk
October 01, 2026 / 11:54 IST
Hrithik Roshan on Vande Mataram row
Several Bollywood celebrities, including Hrithik Roshan and actor Abhay Deol, have responded to BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj’s ‘Vande Mataram’ comment.
The reactions came after Bansuri Swaraj challenged Rahul Gandhi: “If you actually want to smash the patriarchy, sing all stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’.”
Ruchira Chaturvedi, the national convenor of Social Media and Digital Communications for the Indian National Congress, posted BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj’s reel on Instagram and wrote, “I’m issuing a challenge to you today.”
The caption continued, “You want to smash the patriarchy – fair enough. I am perfectly comfortable singing Christmas carols, singing Vande Mataram in its entirety, and reciting the Shiv Tandav. So, I challenge you: if you truly want to smash the patriarchy, then go ahead and sing the full version of Vande Mataram.”
Hrithik Roshan then took to the comment section of the post and wrote, “Huh? Is this actually real? Wow.” Abhay also dropped three rolling on the floor laughing emojis reacting to the post.
Several other figures from the entertainment industry responded to the post. Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh also posted several rolling on the floor laughing emoticons in the comments.
Actress Alaya F also commented, “What is this”, adding a rolling on the floor laughing emoji.
How did the ‘Smash the patriarchy’ controversy start?
This challenge was issued in reply to Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ event held in August, during which he urged women to “smash the patriarchy“. He has further condemned what he referred to as the ‘Manusmriti mindset.’
During the event, the politician said, “What is the mindset? That a girl has a place; she should be locked in a cage, she should be controlled, she should not work, and boys should get full freedom… if they want to abuse, they can abuse; if they want to work, they can work… We do not want such Hindustan. Together we have to finish this patriarchy — smash the patriarchy! And my message to you, simple message: Be loud, be proud, and fight for your space in society.”
On the work front, Hrithik Roshan recently made a cameo in YRF’s Alpha. He reprised the role of War 2’s Major Kabir in the latest spy thriller starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari.
Entertainment desk Entertainment Desk at Moneycontrol reports on the celebrities, movies that shape India’s entertainment industry. With a sharp focus on cinema, OTT, web series, and latest trends, the entertainment desk delivers verified news, and analytical stories that place entertainment within a wider economic and cultural context. Our coverage goes beyond celebrity to examine how storytelling, audiences and business decisions influence one of the country’s most influential creative industries.
first published: Oct 1, 2026 11:52 am
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