Independence Day: Celebrities caught in controversies with the tricolour

From interesting storylines to engaging songs, patriotism is well portrayed in Bollywood films. Independence Day, August 15 is also considered a hot property as far as movie releases are concerned. However there have been negative moments too as far as the national flag of Indian is concerned. There have been instances when the tricolour has been disrespected by celebrities unknowingly. We bring to you some of the most controversial moments of our Indian celebrities, with the national flag.

Mallika Sherawat is known to be one of the most controversial actresses. She has made headlines with her shocking statements. And most recently the actress has posed controversially for the poster of her next film, Dirty Politics. Mallika Sherawat is seen draping the tricolour flag, sitting on top of a car with a red beacon. And according to a report on the Times of India, the whole poster doesn’t seem to have gone down well with a political party in Rajasthan.

Shah Rukh Khan has impressed audiences with patriotic films like Chak De India! and Swades. However he too has been a part of controversy related to the tricolour. According to a report on mid-day.com, a case had been lodged against Shah Rukh Khan for disrespecting the national flag during the celebrations of the Indian cricket team’s victory at the World Cup in 2011. Reportedly this very popular Khan of Bollywood was apparently holding the national flag upside down, with the green colour on top and orange below.

Mandira Bedi is also amongst those celebrities to have allegedly disrespected the Indian tricolour. She has had a close association with cricket and it was at one of those matches when she was caught in a controversy. According to a report on timesofindia.com, complaints were being filed against Mandira Bedi for wearing a sari with the national flag on it, but below the knee, following which an effigy of Mandira Bedi was also burned by Shiv Sena. The report further stated that Mandira Bedi, had changed her sari in the middle of the show and apologised, “If I have offended anybody's sentiments, I offer my deep apology. It was inadvertent and not intentional".

The fashion world too has experienced the fury of using the national flag as part of their adornment. Designer, Malini Ramani also had been in trouble because she wore a dress which had the tricolour on it, and also the blue wheel like the one in our national flag. The dress became a topic of debate, and it was alleged that the designer had dishonoured the national flag.