Sharad Ponkshe Defends Mahesh Kothare Amid BJP Event Controversy

Mahesh Kothare faced social media backlash for praising PM Modi at a BJP Diwali event. Sharad Ponkshe supported him, emphasizing freedom of expression and condemning online trolling.

Mumbai|October 24,2025: – Mahesh Kothare, the celebrated Marathi actor, faced criticism on social media after he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a BJP Diwali event. In response, veteran actor Sharad Ponkshe came forward to support Kothare and condemned the online trolling.

Sharad Ponkshe stated that criticizing someone for their personal opinions is inappropriate and urged social media users to respect individual freedom of expression. He emphasized that expressing personal views should not invite harassment or public shaming.

During the event, Mahesh Kothare lauded PM Modi’s leadership and the achievements of his government. However, his comments triggered a wave of criticism on social media, sparking debates among fans and fellow actors.

Following the backlash, several Marathi artists and colleagues from the theatre industry expressed solidarity with Kothare, stressing that personal opinions should be respected and that trolling undermines democratic values. Ponkshe’s statement supporting Kothare went viral, drawing mixed reactions but largely highlighting the importance of freedom of speech.

Experts note that public criticism of artists is common, but online harassment for personal views sends a negative message in society. Sharad Ponkshe’s stance is being viewed as a guiding example for artists navigating public pressure while maintaining their personal opinions.

The incident underscores the challenges faced by public figures in expressing political or personal views in today’s social media-driven environment, highlighting the balance between freedom of expression and public scrutiny.

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