Today, I'm scared to say I'm Hindu: Anupam Kher

Bollywood actor says he is scared of being branded as BJP fanatic

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has been on the forefront of the 'anti-intolerance' debate in India of late. He was also known for harshly criticising Aamir Khan for his statement on intolerance. Surprisingly, however Kher has now openly admitted to being scared of calling himself a Hindu in his own nation.

Have the tables turned?

Indians lash out at Aamir Khan for statement on intolerance

In an interview with IBN Live, the actor confessed that he fears "saying I'm a Hindu".

"In this country, I'm scared to say that if I wear a tilak (mark worn by a Hindu on the forehead to indicate caste, sect) and a gerua (saffron colored clothes), then I will be branded as an RSS (right-wing party) guy or a BJP fanatic," said Kher.

And though he agreed that it is hypocritical on his part to keep flip flopping statements, the state of politics is such that it leaves him no choice.

People soon took to Twitter to express their sentiments regarding Kher's statement.

https://twitter.com/SatanicPope/status/693389346636992512

Has Anupam Kher said any wrong about Hindu phobia? Not at all
How many times have Hindus been labelled communal by Cong for supporting Modi.

— Truth by IBTL (@ibtlx) January 30, 2016

Until 2014 @AnupamPkher could proudly say that he is a Hindu, today he is afraid to call himself one. What has changed? #AskAnupam

— Scotchy(Team) (@scotchism) January 30, 2016

agree @AnupamPkher I Am Hindu Fear because HINDUITVA right wings already killing HINDUISM#JusticeForRohithVemula https://t.co/Kblji8aaiH

— Shanmuga Pillai (@shanmugam_18) January 30, 2016

Anupam Kher gets attacked on Twitter for U-turn on PADMA awards

And this isn't the first time Kher has changed stance on a matter. He was recently called out on Twitter for his U-turn on the Padma Awrads -- which he vehemently opposed in 2010, but reveled in the honour soon after being awarded one this year.

AWARDS in our country have become a mockery of our system.There is NO authenticity left in any one of them.B it films, National or now PADMA

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) January 26, 2010

Happy, Humbled & Honoured to share that i have been awarded The PADMA BHUSHAN by the Govt. of India. Greatest news of my life:) #JaiHind

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) January 25, 2016

The actor cleared the air and said that that was because at the time one of the chosen awardees had a history of criminal records and should not have been given the award.