'Deeply Distressing': Hema Malini Writes To Lok Sabha Speaker, Flags 'Cultural Fascism' In Bengal

Last Updated:April 02, 2026, 13:49 IST

Hema Malini writes to Speaker Om Birla alleging cultural fascism in West Bengal, cites cancelled events, security fears for artists, and a pattern of blocked cultural programs.

Actor-politician Hema Malini wrote to Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla, voicing her concerns over what she described as “cultural fascism" in West Bengal. She said the situation in the state poses both a “security risk" and has a “negative impact" on livelihoods.

Hema Malini, a veteran actress and a Lok Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura, said, “It is deeply distressing to witness what can only be described as a growing atmosphere of cultural fascism in West Bengal. This is most ironical because West Bengal is a state that has historically stood as a beacon of art, literature, and refined cultural expression".

Highlighting an instance, the BJP leader recalled how a dance drama at the prestigious Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Kolkata was “abruptly cancelled" at the last minute. She alleged the authorities cited “shifting and inconsistent reasons" for cancelling the event.

“What is most tragic is that these are not isolated incidents. Over the years, there has been a consistent pattern in West Bengal — permissions for cultural events and either delayed or denied, often at the eleventh hour, creating uncertainty and disruption for artists and organisers", Hema said.

The Lok Sabha MP also flagged apprehensions regarding the safety and security of artists in West Bengal. “Over the past eight to nine years, performing in West Bengal has increasingly become a matter of apprehension, with inadequate assurances of safety protection".

Filmmakers Voice Concerns

Last year, ‘The Bengal Files’ filmmakers alleged that the film faced an unofficial ban in the state ahead of its scheduled release.

BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty also slammed CM Mamata Banerjee-led government, alleging it prevented the release of ‘The Bengal Files’, while Aditya Dhar-directed ‘Dhurandhar’ propaganda.

News politics 'Deeply Distressing': Hema Malini Writes To Lok Sabha Speaker, Flags 'Cultural Fascism' In Bengal

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