On the occasion of Dussehra, veteran actress and talk show host Simi Garewal sparked controversy with her social media post. In her message, she praised Ravan and argued that he should not be seen as “evil” but rather “slightly naughty.” She also claimed that Ravan was “more educated than half of our Parliament.”
Simi Garewal’s Post on Ravan
Taking to X (previously Twitter), Simi Garewal 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". 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”.
She further added, “And.. I believe you were more educated than half of our Parliament. Trust me dude.. there ain't no any hard feelings to burn you... Just that it's the In-Thing. Happy Dussera.”
Netizens React Sharply
The actor's remarks, however, did not go well with netizens. Several users criticised her for glorifying Ravan.
One user wrote:
“Dear Simi Garewal, The moment he abducts you, all this romanticism will evaporate and you would be sitting in Police station crying attempt to rape & slamming the cops if they say "bas apaharan hi to Kiya hai shaadi karna chah raha hai behen". Ain't no hard feelings for you but you have lost your mind.”
Another comment sarcastically said:
“Lag rha Ravan ji ki bhi PR agency hai.”
A third user questioned:
“So if someone abducts you without your consent and treats you well in captivity then it will not be evil but just naughty?”
Several users also corrected her and reminded her that why Ravana behaves like a ‘gentleman’ and didn’t forced himself on Sita.
A user wrote:
“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.”
