Here we go again with the classic indian selective outrage machine. Remember the massive meltdown over deepika Padukone’s orange bikini in the “Besharam Rang” song from Pathaan? Self-proclaimed defenders of Hindu sentiments screamed that the saffron colour was being “insulted,” that it hurt religious feelings, and demanded boycotts, complaints, and even government action.
Fast forward to the streets of Bihar, where a man wearing an orange gamcha is caught molesting a woman — and suddenly, those same “hurt sentiments” have gone mysteriously quiet. No viral campaigns, no fiery protests, no calls for immediate justice framed as an attack on dharma. Just crickets.
The Bikini That Threatened an Entire Faith
A few seconds of deepika in an orange swimsuit were treated like a national emergency. social media warriors, certain organisations, and political voices claimed it disrespected saffron — a colour linked to Hindu symbolism. Petitions flew, tv debates raged, and the film faced pre-release threats. The logic? Colour + woman’s body = assault on religion.
A few seconds of deepika in an orange swimsuit were treated like a national emergency. social media warriors, certain organisations, and political voices claimed it disrespected saffron — a colour linked to Hindu symbolism. Petitions flew, tv debates raged, and the film faced pre-release threats. The logic? Colour + woman’s body = assault on religion.
The Gamcha That Somehow Doesn’t Count
Now zoom to Bihar: a disturbing incident where a man in a bright orange gamcha harasses or molests a woman in public. Orange cloth again. Visible. On camera. Yet the outrage brigade that pounced on a fictional song sequence has largely looked the other way. No mass campaigns declaring this a direct insult to Hindu values. No demands to ban orange gamchas or label it “besharam” behaviour. Real violence against a real woman gets downgraded to “law and order issue” or local crime.
Why the Double Standard?
Because it was never truly about the colour. It was about controlling women’s bodies and expressions in the public eye — especially when it involves glamour, cinema, or a female star. A celebrity in a bikini becomes a symbol to rally against. A roadside molester in everyday saffron attire? That’s just another unfortunate incident that doesn’t fit the convenient narrative of “protecting culture.” Selective sensitivity exposes the hypocrisy: outrage is weaponised when it serves to shame women or score cultural points, but real-world protection of women’s safety and dignity takes a backseat.
Because it was never truly about the colour. It was about controlling women’s bodies and expressions in the public eye — especially when it involves glamour, cinema, or a female star. A celebrity in a bikini becomes a symbol to rally against. A roadside molester in everyday saffron attire? That’s just another unfortunate incident that doesn’t fit the convenient narrative of “protecting culture.” Selective sensitivity exposes the hypocrisy: outrage is weaponised when it serves to shame women or score cultural points, but real-world protection of women’s safety and dignity takes a backseat.
This isn’t consistent faith. It’s convenient politics dressed as piety. If orange truly carries sacred weight, then it should offend equally — whether it’s on a bikini or wrapped around a predator. The silence speaks louder than the earlier screams. india needs to confront this selective “hurt” before it keeps cheapening both women’s safety and genuine religious sentiment.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel