New Delhi: Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker is under fire after her recent meeting with Maulana Sajjad Nomani, a controversial Islamic scholar known for his regressive views on women’s education. Swara, 36, accompanied by her husband Fahad Ahmad, met Nomani at his office on Saturday (November 16), sparking outrage among netizens.
Fahad is contesting the Maharashtra Assembly elections on an NCP (Sharad Pawar) ticket, shared pictures of the couple with Maulana Nomani on social media. “In the service of Maulana Sajjad Nomani, and he showered us with lots of blessings,” he wrote.
Sir Hazrat Maulana Sajjad was present in the service of Naumani Saheb and he blessed us with many blessings. pic.twitter.com/5P7S3OIaJj
— Fahad Ahmad (@FahadZirarAhmad) November 16, 2024
Swara Bhaskar faces backlash
Swara, seen in a pastel salwar suit with her head covered, was criticised for advocating women’s rights on one hand while associating with a figure who has previously called it “haram” for parents to send their daughters to unsupervised schools or colleges.
One X user called out the apparent contradiction, writing, “Ultra-feminist Swara Bhasker received blessings from Deobandi Pro-Taliban fundamentalist Maulana Sajjad Nomani, who preaches against sending daughters to educational institutions to prevent them from becoming ‘kafirs.’”
Another added, “One of the strongest #feminist Advocate surrendering to the “Hizlaamic” Rule-book ! The #sisterhood will definitely miss her ! Classic example of a “Propagandist” clown”
Who Is Maulana Sajjad Nomani?
Maulana Sajjad Nomani is a controversial figure known for his orthodox views on women and education. He has openly discouraged parents from sending their daughters to schools unsupervised and has been vocal against interfaith marriages, particularly between Muslim women and Hindu men. His statements have often attracted criticism for being regressive and discriminatory.
Fahad, Swara’s husband, is contesting the Maharashtra Assembly elections from the Anushakti Nagar constituency on an NCP (Sharad Pawar) ticket. Previously associated with the Samajwadi Party, he served as the state president of its youth wing, Samajwadi Yuvjan Sabha. The meeting with Nomani has raised questions about Fahad’s political affiliations and his campaign strategy. Critics argue that associating with such figures could alienate progressive voters.
For the unversed, Swara Bhasker and Fahad Ahmad tied the knot in February 2023 under the Special Marriages Act. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Raabiyaa, later that year.
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