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‘Terrorist’ slur against Farhana Bhatt triggers backlash over anti-Kashmiri bias

by News Desk

A new controversy has gripped social media after writer, producer, and talent manager Roshan Garry called Bigg Boss 19 contestant and actress Farhana Bhatt a “terrorist.”

The remark, widely condemned online, has been described as deeply offensive and reflective of growing intolerance in public discourse. Many users have expressed outrage, saying the slur was not just a personal attack but also carried troubling undertones targeting Farhana’s Kashmiri identity.

During an online talk show, Garry, also believed to be Bigg Boss contestant Amaal Malik’s aunt referred to Farahana as evil, terrorist, which has evoked widespread anger both online and offline.

The uproar follows an earlier altercation between singer Amaal Malik and Farhana inside the Bigg Boss house, a clash that has dominated entertainment-related social media for days. During a captaincy task, contestants had to choose between sacrificing letters from their families or shredding another contestant’s letter to stay in the race. Farhana chose to shred someone else’s letter, prompting Amaal to accuse her of being insensitive and manipulative.

What began as a verbal spat soon spiralled into an ugly confrontation. Amaal was seen throwing away Farhana’s plate while she was eating and making derogatory remarks about her career, saying she wouldn’t find work “even in adult films.” Although he later apologised, his behaviour drew sharp criticism from viewers and co-contestants alike.

Roshan Garry’s latest remark has revived the controversy and taken it beyond the reality show. By calling Farhana a “terrorist,” Garry has been accused of crossing ethical boundaries and fuelling stereotypes long used to vilify Kashmiris.

Activists and netizens have called the comment Islamophobic and dangerous, pointing out that associating a Kashmiri woman with terrorism reflects a deep-seated prejudice that continues to shadow people from the region.

“Mind you, this is only coming bc Farhana is a Kashmiri. The Muslims living in Bombay somehow think they are superior and that’s exactly what they are trying to show. It’s a pity that she so casually calls her a terrorist,” Kshijtij Ojha, an X (formerly Twitter) user wrote.

Farhana Bhatt, who hails from Kashmir, has worked in several movies and also featured in music videos.