‘Call me Andhbhakt’: Isha Koppikar says her devotion is for India, not any political party – watch video | Hindi Movie News

Isha Koppikar Declares Unwavering Devotion to India, Defying ‘Andhbhakt’ Label

Mumbai, India – Actress Isha Koppikar has emphatically pushed back against being branded an "andhbhakt" (blind devotee), asserting that her profound allegiance is directed solely towards India and not any specific political entity. In a powerful video statement, the veteran actress articulated her deep-seated patriotism and national pride, emphasizing her commitment to contributing to the nation’s progress.

Koppikar, known for her roles in films like ‘Kaante’, took to Instagram to share her perspective on patriotism, nationalism, and the crucial concept of giving back to one’s homeland. She made it unequivocally clear that her loyalty transcends party lines, firmly rooted in her love for India.

"If loving your country, believing in India, and wanting its progress is devotion, then yes, I am proud to be a devotee, a blind devotee," Koppikar declared in the video. "But my devotion is not for any political party, but for my country, for my India. Nation first. Wherever you may live, learn to love that place, respect that place, and contribute to it.”

The actress further elaborated on her understanding of patriotism, suggesting it extends beyond mere verbal declarations of love. She stressed the importance of actively honoring one’s belonging and working towards its betterment. "Be proud of the home you choose. Because patriotism is not just saying, I love my country. It is doing something that makes your country better," she urged.

Koppikar also drew an insightful analogy to illustrate her point, comparing citizens to children. "See, there are two types of children. One, who counts all their life what their parents have not given and what they have given. And the second, whatever they get, they make it not only their own, but also their parents’ life. The difference is not just in circumstances, but in thinking."

She then posed a poignant question to her audience: "So why don’t we also change our thinking? Instead of asking what the country has given us all the time, why don’t we think about what we can give the country, what we can do for the country. Because India is changing, my friend. Now is the time for our thinking to change and we become a part of making a new India. So, call me a devotee, call me a blind devotee, call me a nationalist.”

Concluding her heartfelt message, Koppikar reiterated her immense pride in her Indian identity, stating, "I love my India. I believe in my India. Not blindly, but proudly, passionately, and unapologetically. Jai Hind."

In her Instagram caption accompanying the video, she further solidified her stance: “If loving India is ‘andhbhakti,’ then I’ll proudly wear the label. Because I can question what feels wrong, appreciate what feels right, and still put my nation above everything.”

This is not the first time Koppikar has addressed such criticism. Earlier in July, she had responded to backlash and online trolling regarding her comments on democracy. At that time, she asserted her love for the country was a source of pride, delivering a firm message to her detractors: "If loving my country makes me a label, so be it. I’d rather be proud than apologetic. Yes, I’m an Andh Bhakt. I’m a Bharat Bhakti."

Isha Koppikar has had a notable career in Bollywood, featuring in a diverse range of films including ‘Fiza’, ‘Company’, ‘Pinjar’, ‘Don’, ‘Salaam-e-Ishq’, ‘Kyaa Kool Hai Hum’, and ‘Ek Vivaah… Aisa Bhi’. Her recent statements underscore her conviction that patriotism is an active and evolving commitment, focused on national progress rather than partisan alignment.