Snehashish roy
Veteran actor and accomplished classical dancer Sudha Chandran has responded firmly after facing online trolling over a video from a recent jagran event that went viral on social media. The clip, which circulated widely across platforms, triggered sharp reactions from a section of users who questioned her presence and performance at the religious gathering. Addressing the controversy, Sudha made it clear that she does not feel the need to justify her choices or explain herself to strangers online.
The actor, known for her decades-long contribution to Indian television, cinema and classical dance, said she was taken aback by the intensity of the backlash. The viral video, reportedly shot during a devotional event, showed Sudha participating in the programme in a manner that some viewers found inappropriate or confusing without context. As the clip spread, comments ranged from criticism to personal attacks, many of them questioning her intentions and faith.
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Reacting to the trolling, Sudha stated that she has lived her life and career with honesty and dignity, and she does not owe explanations to those who form opinions based on short, contextless clips. She emphasised that people today are quick to judge without understanding the full picture, adding that social media has made it easier to outrage but harder to empathise. According to her, the internet thrives on selective outrage, where facts often take a back seat to viral narratives.
Sudha also pointed out that performing or participating in religious or cultural events has always been a part of her journey as an artist. As a trained Bharatanatyam dancer, she has spent years blending devotion and performance, and she sees no contradiction in that. She reiterated that art, spirituality and expression often intersect, and reducing such moments to trolling material reflects a shallow understanding of Indian cultural traditions.
The actor further clarified that she never intended to offend anyone’s sentiments. However, she maintained that offence today is often a choice rather than a genuine hurt. She said that if every action is viewed through a lens of suspicion, it becomes impossible for artists to exist freely in public spaces. Sudha stressed that she has always respected all faiths and communities, and one viral video cannot define her values or beliefs.
What seemed to bother her more than the criticism itself was the tone of personal attacks. Sudha noted that trolling rarely remains about the issue at hand and quickly turns abusive, especially towards women in the public eye. She observed that years of work, discipline and resilience are forgotten the moment social media finds a new target. The actor, who has openly spoken about overcoming physical disability and personal struggles, said she has developed thick skin over the years, but the culture of online shaming still remains disturbing.
Sudha also highlighted a larger issue, the lack of nuance in digital conversations. She said that people react instantly, without pausing to verify or understand context. According to her, this constant state of outrage has reduced meaningful dialogue and replaced it with noise. She added that artists are increasingly becoming easy targets simply because visibility invites scrutiny.
Despite the backlash, Sudha made it clear that she will continue living life on her own terms. She said she refuses to let trolling dictate her choices or silence her. While she acknowledged that criticism is part of public life, she drew a clear line between constructive feedback and baseless abuse.
Concluding her response, Sudha said she believes in moving forward rather than getting trapped in explanations. For her, the focus remains on work, purpose and inner peace, not on appeasing faceless critics online.