Mumbai, India – Prominent Indian filmmaker Karan Johar expressed fury during a press conference for his upcoming production Kasari 2 after being asked about controversial comments made by the granddaughter of British officer Reginald Dyer. The latter was responsible for the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, one of the darkest episodes of British colonial rule in India.
Johar, known for his diplomatic stance on political matters, abandoned restraint when addressing the issue, calling the statements “disgraceful” and demanding accountability.
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The Controversial Remarks that Sparked Outrage
During an interview, General Dyer’s granddaughter allegedly referred to the victims of the massacre as “looters,” downplaying the gravity of the tragedy. In Amritsar on April 13, 1919, British troops under Dyer’s command opened fire on an unarmed crowd gathered for the Punjabi festival of Baisakhi. Official British records acknowledge at least 379 deaths, though Indian estimates suggest over 1,000 people were killed.
Dyer, who later admitted he “stopped firing only when bullets ran out,” was both condemned and controversially celebrated in Britain. His granddaughter’s recent remarks defending his actions and dismissing the victims’ suffering ignited backlash.
Johar, visibly angered, responded:
> *”I have seen that video, and as an Indian, as a humanitarian, as anyone with even an iota of empathy—it will enrage you. How dare she call those thousands of people looters? They were innocent, gathered on an auspicious day, unaware that their lives would be stolen in an act of brutality.”*
His remarks were met with applause from attendees at the Kasari 2 event.
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Johar: “No Apology, Only Disdain – That’s What Angers Me”
Johar’s emotional response highlighted broader frustrations over unresolved colonial injustices.
> *”This wasn’t just a historical event—families still carry that pain. For her to dismiss it, to claim Dyer ‘loved India’ while his actions were pure hatred, is a delusion. It makes me demand an apology even more.”*
He emphasized that while history cannot be changed, acknowledgment and accountability are necessary. His stance reflects growing calls in India for **formal British apologies** for colonial-era crimes—a demand the UK government has yet to fulfill.
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Historical Context: Why Jallianwala Bagh Still Resonates
The Massacre That Shook India
– Date: April 13, 1919
– Location: Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar (Punjab)
– Casualties: 379–1,500+ (mostly unarmed civilians, including children)
– Aftermath: Global condemnation, hardening Indian resistance to British rule
Dyer’s troops blocked the only exit before firing continuously for 10 minutes. Survivors later testified that many jumped into a well to escape, drowning in desperation. Despite international outrage, Dyer faced no criminal consequences.
Dyer’s Granddaughter: Rewriting History?
The descendant’s remarks follow a pattern of historical revisionism, where some British commentators frame colonial rule as benevolent. Johar’s rebuttal stressed:
> “If killing hundreds without remorse is ‘love,’ what does hate look like?”
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Public & Political Reactions
Johar’s comments resonated widely, with political figures and activists applauding his stance:
– Shashi Tharoor (MP, Congress): “Those who whitewash colonial brutality insult not just India, but humanity.”
– Kangana Ranaut (Actress): “Proud of Karan for speaking the truth. No more glorifying oppressors.”
– Twitter Trends: #ApologizeForJallianwala, #KaranJoharSpeaksUp
Critics, however, argued celebrities should avoid historical debates. Johar countered:
> “This isn’t about politics. It’s about basic human decency.”
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Global Implications: The Unfinished Business of Colonial Apologies
While Germany has apologized for the Holocaust, and the U.S. for slavery, **Britain has never fully atoned for colonial atrocities**, including:
| Event | Deaths | UK Stance |
|——–|——–|————|
| Jallianwala Bagh (1919) | 1,000+ | “Deeply regrettable” (2019) |
| Bengal Famine (1943) | 3 million | No formal apology |
| Partition Violence (1947) | 1 million+ | Unaddressed |
In 2019, then-PM Theresa May called Jallianwala Bagh a “shameful scar” but stopped short of apologizing.
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Conclusion: A Call for Reconciliation
Johar’s outburst underscores how colonial wounds remain raw. His demand for an apology aligns with a younger India’s refusal to let history be whitewashed.
> “We can’t change the past, but we can demand respect for those who suffered. That’s the least humanity owes them.”
As *Kasari 2* gears up for release, Johar’s stance may spark broader discussions on art, history, and justice — proving that some scars never fully heal.
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Key Takeaways:
1. Johar condemned General Dyer’s granddaughter for calling massacre victims “looters.”
2. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919) remains a symbol of colonial brutality.
3. UK has yet to issue a full apology for colonial-era crimes in India.
4. Celebs and politicians back Johar’s demand for historical accountability.
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