Simi Garewal, a veteran actor and talk show host, stunned fans and netizens with an unconventional Dussehra message on social media. Simi took to her X (previously Twitter) account on Thursday to write a lengthy message celebrating Ravan, the demon king who is customarily burned in effigy on Dussehra to commemorate the triumph of good over evil.
Simi Garewal defends Ravan in her Dussehra post
Garewal`s post addressed the long-standing vilification of Ravan in Indian mythology. She wrote, “Dear Ravana, Every year, on this day, we celebrate the victory of good over evil.. But.. technically.. your behaviour should be re-classified from “Evil” to “Slightly Naughty”.”
Simi also compared Ravan’s education level with that of Indian politicians, as she mentioned that he was far more educated than they were, “After all, tumne kiya hi kya tha? I agree you kidnapped a lady in haste… But.. after that.. you gave her more respect than we normally give to women in today`s world. You offered her good food.. shelter.. and even women security guards (not too good looking though). Your request for marriage was full of humility, and you never threw acids when rejected. Even when Lord Rama killed you.. you were wise enough to seek his apologies. And.. I believe you were more educated than half of our Parliament. Trust me, dude.. There ain`t any hard feelings to burn you. Just that it`s the In-Thing. Happy Dussera”
Netizens slam Simi for her post
However, things didn`t go well with the netizens as they had a different perspective and reaction to her post. One of them even labelled her as the modern-day Surpanakha, “You are Simi but let`s reclassify you as modern-day Shurpanakha who glorifies forcibly abducting women, as that is very befitting given your ode and admiration to Ravan.” Another netizen added that Simi isn`t much aware of the Hindu Mythology, “If you read the Ramayan you will understand that Ravan’s actions weren’t ‘slightly naughty.’ Before Sita, Ravan had tried to violate the wife of Nal Kubera, which is why he was cursed that if he tried to forcefully violate a woman he would be destroyed. The fact that he didn’t force himself on Sita did not stem from his alleged decency but fear of destruction. As a king he was arrogant and cruel. His subjects suffered. Ravan is a symbol of ego, disrespect towards women, opposition to dharma, symbol of deceit and tyranny. His burning is not about any particular individual, but rather a symbolic act to destroy all such evils that exist in society and a powerful reminder that wars that are fought on women’s bodies never end well for those who do.”
Talking about Simi, She is a highly regarded Indian actress, television host, and filmmaker. She came to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, playing noteworthy roles in films such as Do Badan, Mera Naam Joker, and Karz. However, her fame was reinforced with the chat program Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, in which her sophisticated interviewing approach elicited frank moments from India`s brightest personalities.
