Every Diwali, fireworks light up the sky and choke the air. With India’s rising AQI levels, the air turns toxic soon after the celebrations, leaving many struggling to breathe.
This year, Mira Kapoor, wife of actor Shahid Kapoor, spoke out against bursting crackers. On Instagram, she asked why people still continue the practice when pollution levels are already so high. She urged everyone to skip crackers, even for children’s excitement or social media posts, reminding that this same air will be inhaled by future generations.
While many supported her message, others pushed back. Among them was Advocate Ashutosh J. Dubey, head of BJP Maharashtra’s Legal Cell, who posted a lengthy response on X (formerly Twitter).
In his tweet, Dubey tagged Shahid Kapoor and told him to “handle his wife,” calling out the repeated criticism of firecrackers every year. He argued that fireworks are part of tradition and not the main cause of pollution, pointing instead to industrial waste, construction dust, and civic negligence.
He added that India needs a balanced discussion on sustainable celebrations with green crackers, limited hours, or local restrictions but without banning religious practices.
However, what drew outrage online was his remark about “handling” Mira. Social media users slammed it as sexist and patriarchal, saying Mira is an independent person who has every right to voice her opinion. Many said the comment reflected outdated attitudes toward women.
Others also pointed out that Diwali was originally a festival of light and togetherness, not fireworks. The real issue, they said, is India’s worsening air quality and the lack of action to address it. Sadly, the mindset of some people still seems as toxic as the air we breathe.
Mr. @shahidkapoor please handle your wife: Every year, the same debate resurfaces: banning crackers is called ‘progress’, and those celebrating are lectured about air quality. But Diwali is, and has always been, more than just a festival, it’s a celebration of light, tradition,… pic.twitter.com/V0EMWJWBtJ
— ADV. ASHUTOSH J. DUBEY (@AdvAshutoshBJP) October 26, 2025
