Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor has finally spoken out against cancel culture after her film Abeer Gulal with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan was banned.
In a recent interview, Vaani talked about cancel culture, film bans, and increasing censorship in cinema.
She said that artistic freedom is a basic human need. According to her, people should have the right to make mistakes and to express their opinions.
Vaani Kapoor is playing the lead role in Netflix’s upcoming series Mandala Murders. While speaking to Indian media, she said that it’s hard for artists, filmmakers, or performers to try new things when they are always kept inside limits. She added that when there is a line you cannot cross, and you are still expected to create something new and unique, then the true spirit of art dies.
She also shared that social media and public reactions have made it tough for artists today. She said that nowadays, if someone says even one wrong thing, people immediately call for their cancellation or boycott. She said she does not understand this harsh and angry behavior. Hate and negativity are spreading everywhere. Every day, someone is being boycotted or cancelled. She requested people not to do this and to allow others a little space to grow and live.
Vaani especially talked about how cancel culture is affecting the mental health of young people. She said that students in schools and colleges are feeling the pressure. People are judged before they even get a chance to build their identity. She reminded everyone that we are all human and making mistakes is natural. We are not saints, and we learn from our own mistakes.
She requested her fans and the public to be kind and understanding, even if there are differences of opinion. She said that we should learn to respect others’ thoughts. Differences are a part of life, but hate and cancel culture are not the solution.
It is important to remember that her film Abeer Gulal, which was banned in both India and Pakistan, also became a victim of cancel culture.
The film was banned after the political tension that followed the Pahalgam attack on April 22. Due to public pressure, it was not allowed to release.
Now, Vaani Kapoor will be seen in Mandala Murders, releasing on Netflix on 25th July 2025. In this thriller series, she will appear alongside Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Sourav Chawla, and Shriya Pilgaonkar.