Marathi content creator Atharva Sudame was forced to delete a video which he made to promote religious harmony and pluralism after facing backlash on social media, including criticism from a Brahmin group. Sudame later apologised, clarifying that his intent was not to “hurt sentiments”.
‘I apologise, had no ulterior motive’
“I have deleted it and I apologise,” Sudame said in the apology video. He explained that most of his content focuses on Hindu festivals and culture, and this video was no different.
“I had no other motive behind this video,” he explained.
He further added, “I have deleted the video. A lot of people expressed their displeasure. My intention was never to hurt anyone’s sentiments. I have made several videos based on Hindu festivals and culture.”
Atharva Sudame Ganpati video: What does it show?
The Instagram Reel, which Sudame has since deleted, shows him entering an idol shop to buy a Ganpati idol. After he selects the one he wants to take home, the shopkeeper’s son, wearing a skullcap, walks in.
At this point, the shopkeeper tells Sudame that he is free to leave without buying the idol, now that his religious identity is apparent. Despite this, Sudame chooses to go ahead with the purchase.
He told the shopkeeper in the video, “While making the Ganpati, you had good intentions in your heart, right? My father says we should be like sugar that sweetens both shev kheer as well as sheer khurma, like a brick that makes both a mandir and a masjid, like a flower that is used in a garland as well as a chaddar (holy sheet) as well.”
Social media reactions
Anand Dave, the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Brahman Mahasangh, objected to the video, saying that Sudame should refrain from speaking on the issues he has no “expertise” in. Dave suggested he focus on “making people laugh and fill his belly” rather than telling people “what to buy and from whom to buy”.
“In a viral video, Hindu-Muslim unity is being taught. The only thing we want to tell you (Sudame) is that you make people laugh and fill your belly. There is no need to speak on other issues where you have no expertise…,” he said in a video statement.
He added, “Hindu-Muslim unity, how to buy Ganpati idols, are not your topics. You do not need to focus on them. Hindus know what to buy and from whom to buy.”
One social media user said, “I have always admired Atharva Sudame. His reels are brilliant, funny, and soaked in Marathi culture. But his recent reel has left me unsettled. He deleted it later, but it raises questions that can’t be brushed aside.”
“Marathi Reelstar Atharv Sudame posted this video on Instagram and deleted it within a couple of hours due to backlash. Gen Z is being brainwashed by such influencers, and the influencers are nurtured and promoted by the language chauvinist lobby. Beware,” said another.
“Atharva Sudame, a YouTuber, has given a message in his video that no grudge or hatred should be held against people of other religions. The objection raised by the Brahman Mahasangh and BJP office-bearers to this video of his is an attempt to create division in society and foment anarchy,” said another.
Dr Hamid Dabholkar of the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS) said that pushing someone to an extent to take down the video is a sign of “how intolerant people are becoming” these days.
“Respecting each other’s religion and participating in each other’s religious activities are age-old traditions in this country. The… withdrawal of a reel promoting these values is a sign of how intolerant we are becoming in the name of religion. It’s high time that we, as a community, stop supporting such polarising activities and stand firmly behind the culture of religious harmony,” he said.
Academic and writer Apoorvanand wrote, “We have reached a level where talk about Hindu-Muslim unity evokes violence. Yet, it is heartening that even in such an atmosphere, we have people like Atharva Sudame who can and do talk about Hindu-Muslim unity.”
“Atharva Sudame, a YouTuber, has given a message in his video that no grudge or hatred should be held against people of other religions. The objection raised by the Brahman Mahasangh and BJP office-bearers to this video of his is an attempt to create division in society and foment anarchy,” said yet another Internet user.
