BJP MP and legendary actress Hema Malini has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla alleging an atmosphere of “cultural fascism” in West Bengal, claiming the state government is consistently denying or delaying permissions for cultural events and performances.
The legendary actress expressed intense anguish, stating that her own cultural performances have been targeted and that she feels a “sense of insecurity and helplessness”
It’s Hema Malini’s claim that a consistent pattern of denying permission, specifically citing the last-minute cancellation of a “Draupadi” dance drama at Kolkata’s Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium on March 15, 2026.
She reported that performing in West Bengal has turned out to be difficult due to a lack of proper security assurances, affecting the safety of artists.
She accused the state of treating her shows differently because of her association with the BJP, regardless them being non-political, classical, and cultural performances.
The cancellations cause financial distress to artists, technicians, and organizers.
Hema Malini termed the situation “unfortunate and unacceptable,” urging that cultural spaces remain free from political bias.
News Edit KV Raman
