Swara Bhasker Meets Maulana Sajjad Nomani: Viral Photos

Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker has found herself at the center of a social media storm after photos of her meeting with Islamic scholar Maulana Sajjad Nomani went viral. Swara, accompanied by her husband, Samajwadi Party leader Fahad Ahmad, visited Nomani at his office last Saturday.

The meeting was highlighted by Nomani himself, who shared the images on social media, writing, "In the service of Maulana Sajjad Nomani, and he showered us with lots of blessings." In the pictures, Swara was dressed in a peach salwar suit with her dupatta draped over her head, while Fahad was seen in a white kurta-pyjama.

The images sparked criticism, with many accusing Swara of "double standards" in her advocacy for women's rights. Social media users were quick to call out the apparent contradiction between her feminist stance and her association with Nomani, who has drawn criticism for opposing "unsupervised education for girls" and interfaith relationships.

One user commented, "Swara Bhasker talks endlessly about women's empowerment, yet she meets someone who opposes girls’ education and interfaith marriages. Hypocrisy at its peak." Another remarked, "Ultra-feminist Swara seeks blessings from a pro-Taliban fundamentalist. Does she endorse his views, or is it just political posturing?"

Nomani, a well-known figure in the Islamic community, has often courted controversy for his conservative views. Critics argue that his stance on women's education and interfaith relationships is incompatible with progressive ideals. This has led to questions about Swara’s decision to meet with him, given her own interfaith marriage and outspoken feminist beliefs.

The actress, who married Fahad Ahmad in 2023, has not yet issued a statement regarding the backlash. The couple welcomed their daughter, Raabiya, on September 23 this year.

Supporters of Swara argue that dialogue across differing perspectives is essential for fostering understanding, while others see her actions as inconsistent with her proclaimed advocacy for gender equality.

This latest controversy highlights the challenges public figures face in navigating personal relationships, activism, and public perception. As the debate rages on, Swara’s silence on the matter continues to fuel speculation about her stance on the criticisms leveled against her.