Bollywood actors such as Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, John Abraham, and Shraddha Kapoor have recently encouraged their fans to consider exploring Indian islands like Lakshadweep instead of planning vacations in the Maldives. This promotion of Indian tourism comes in response to criticism from some prominent personalities in the Maldives who mocked India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s endorsement of visiting Indian islands. PM Modi had recently garnered attention by sharing images of his time on the pristine beaches of Lakshadweep, engaging in activities like snorkeling. The Bollywood celebrities have joined the trend, urging people to appreciate the beauty of Indian destinations and support local tourism.
Akshay Kumar, who recently celebrated the New Year with his family in the Maldives, addressed comments made by certain Maldivian individuals regarding India’s beach tourism. He said “Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists. We are good to our neighbors but why should we tolerate such unprovoked hate? I’ve visited the Maldives many times and always praised it, but dignity first. Let us decide to #ExploreIndianIslands and support our own tourism.”
Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists.
We are good to our neighbors but
why should we tolerate such… pic.twitter.com/DXRqkQFguN— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 7, 2024
John Abraham also utilized his platform, possibly on social media like Twitter (referred to as ‘X’), to advocate for tourism in Indian islands. Alongside sharing captivating images of the picturesque Lakshadweep Islands, he tweeted a message. He wrote “With the amazing Indian hospitality, the idea of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ and a vast marine life to explore. Lakshwadeep is the place to go. #exploreindianislands.”
Sharing a breathtaking photo of the Lakshadweep Islands, Shraddha Kapoor expressed on X, “All these images and memes are giving me serious FOMO now. Lakshadweep boasts pristine beaches, vibrant local culture, and I’m tempted to plan a spontaneous getaway. This year, let’s #ExploreIndianIslands.” It’s worth noting that in 2021, Shraddha had previously shared pictures from her family vacation in the Maldives.
All these images and memes making me super FOMO now 😍
Lakshadweep has such pristine beaches and coastlines, thriving local culture, I’m on the verge of booking an impulse chhutti ❤️
This year, why not #ExploreIndianIslands pic.twitter.com/fTWmZTycpO— Shraddha (@ShraddhaKapoor) January 7, 2024
Salman Khan has echoed the sentiments of his Bollywood counterparts, expressing his thoughts on Twitter. In a tweet on Sunday, he wrote, “It is so cool to see our Hon PM Narendrabhai Modi at the beautiful clean and stunning beaches of Lakshadweep, and the best part is that yeh hamare India mein hain (these islands are in India). @narendramodi.”
It is so cool to see our Hon PM Narendrabhai Modi at the beautiful clean n stunning beaches of Lakshadweep, and the best part is that yeh hamare India mein hain.
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) January 7, 2024
