Amid these testing times, certain celebrities were slammed online by others like Nawazuddin Siddiqui for flaunting their privilege and posting pics of vacationing abroad amid pandemic.
Furthermore, celebs like Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma received backlash online for hosting fundraisers and asking the common man to donate despite their sizeable individual net worth.
Now it appears, Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez has also lent her hand to those in need. The former Miss Universe Sri Lanka has been using her social media to amplify distress calls and share information about the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Realizing her privilege, the ‘Housefull 2’ actor wants to help as many people as possible in such unforeseen circumstances. “I want to be there as much as I can for people and not think about myself.”
“Because I know I do come from a space that’s complete privilege right now. I have a roof over my head and I have food to eat.”
“There are people out there struggling to survive because of the pandemic,” Hindustan Times quoted her saying.
In the interview, she acknowledged the work that Bollywood celebs are doing to rid India of Covid-19 and objected to the criticism they have been receiving online.
“If it’s in your capacity to help, please help, and if maybe, it’s not in your capacity or you don’t have the means, at least don’t spread hate, don’t spread negativity. It’s not the time or the place for that,” she said.
The ‘Kick’ actor further added, “Don’t add just negativity. It’s really uncalled for. There are actually people out there who are doing what they can and probably not talking about it.”
“You don’t know what someone’s going through or what someone’s doing, so please don’t make yourself a judge of that. Even if it means keeping your negative opinions to yourself, please do that.”
Do you agree with Jacqueline? Or do you think it’s time celebrities are called out for their privilege as the country battles the pandemic?