Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, MS Dhoni- Why Indian superstars tread cautiously when it's about 'Politics'

Are India’s B-town Stars Silent on Purpose or Out of Fear? Let’s Find Out

In a country where film stars and cricketers are almost worshipped, their silence on political matters is often louder than words. Actor Prakash Raj recently questioned this silence. In an interview with The Lallantop, he said, “Half of them are sold, and half are scared.” His words have brought the spotlight on some of India’s biggest names — including Shah Rukh Khan and MS Dhoni — and how they avoid political conversations.

Actors like Prakash Raj, Swara Bhasker, and Anurag Kashyap continue to speak, even if it costs them roles or endorsements. They are few, but their courage matters. As Prakash Raj said, “Artists must have consciousness.” This means they must know their power, their responsibility, and their influence.

So why do Indian superstars tread so carefully when it comes to politics?

Prakash Raj: Fearless and Straightforward

Prakash Raj is known for being outspoken. He has always voiced his political opinions without fear of consequences. He recently said that artists must be conscious of the films they make and have the courage to fight for what they believe in. He added that while some colleagues tell him privately that they admire his courage, they don’t have the same strength to speak openly. He replied, “History won’t forgive those who stayed silent.”

His bold comments opened a bigger question — what stops other big names from speaking up?

Powerful Voice That Chooses Silence

Shah Rukh Khan is one of the most influential figures in India, but he rarely comments on political matters. In the past, he did speak about intolerance in the country, and the backlash was instant. Right-wing groups labelled him “anti-national,” and social media turned toxic. Since then, Shah Rukh has mostly stayed silent on political issues, choosing to let his films and charities do the talking.

Even after his son Aryan Khan was arrested and later cleared, SRK did not speak publicly. Some believe it was a message — stay quiet, survive. His silence has become a survival strategy in a highly sensitive political atmosphere.

Similarly, Ranbir Kapoor, despite being a major face of Bollywood’s new generation, also avoids commenting on political matters. While promoting films or attending public events, he has kept his views neutral, often stating that actors should focus on entertainment, not politics — a view many in the industry quietly agree with.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is another superstar who avoids making any political statements. Despite being one of India’s most successful cricket captains and having a massive fanbase, Dhoni has never entered political debates. He has served in the army reserves and maintains a patriotic image, but he steers clear of controversial topics.

His silence is not new — it is his brand. Fans love him for being neutral, calm, and focused. But this also shows how deeply politics can affect personal and professional image in India. One wrong word can lead to trolling, lost deals, or even threats.

Fear of Backlash, Boycotts, and Brand Loss

One big reason why celebrities avoid politics is the fear of losing brand endorsements and facing online boycotts. Aamir Khan and Deepika Padukone are clear examples. When Aamir spoke about “growing intolerance,” many brands dropped him. Deepika visited JNU in 2020, and her movie Chhapaak faced calls for a boycott.

Big brands want “safe” faces, not controversial ones. This makes stars think twice before speaking. An insider once said, “A celebrity is no longer just an artist. He or she is a business. And no business wants trouble.” Bollywood and cricket are both tightly connected to national pride. So when something goes wrong in the country — protests, violence, social injustice — fans look to their idols for a voice. But most of the time, these idols choose silence.

The CAA-NRC protests, Manipur violence, and farmers’ protests saw very few celebrities speak out. Some actors and athletes may personally feel concerned, but publicly, they stay quiet. Why? Because the cost of speaking out is too high. You could lose movies, fans, endorsements, or even your safety.

Prakash Raj has once again reminded India that silence also sends a message. Stars like Shah Rukh Khan and MS Dhoni may be loved and admired, but their silence raises questions. Are they being careful to protect their careers, or are they just avoiding unnecessary conflict?

Whatever the reason, it is clear that politics is not just about leaders anymore — it also affects celebrities. And in today’s world, being neutral is also seen as taking a side.

Should our icons stay quiet to protect themselves, or should they use their voice when it matters most? The debate continues.