With the increase in coronavirus cases, the world has come to a standstill. Normalcy as we knew it is gone. Several reports claim it is only going to get worse. Amidst all the struggle to keep oneself self, several Bollywood celebs have urged people to boycott Chinese products.
This comes after growing border tensions between India and China. Actors like Milind Soman, Arshad Warsi, Ranvir Shorey, and Kamya Punjabi have pledged to consciously avoid using Chinese products.
The hashtag #BoycottChineseProducts and #BoycottChina began trending after Ladakh based educator Sonam Wangchuk shared a video asking Indians to avoid Chinese goods. Sonam Wangchuk’s life inspired Aamir Khan’s critically acclaimed 3 idiots.
Taking to Twitter, the Munna Bhai MBBS actor wrote, ““I am consciously going to stop using everything that is Chinese. As they are a part of most of the things we use, it will take time but I know, one day I’ll be Chinese free. You should try it too …”
I am consciously going to stop using everything that is Chinese. As they are a part of most of the things we use, it will take time but I know, one day I’ll be Chinese free. You should try it too …
— Arshad Warsi (@ArshadWarsi) May 30, 2020
Actor Milind Soman also joined in the movement but also made it clear that he does not have a problem with China or its people, just its government. Sharing Sonam Wangchuk’s video, the actor tweeted, “Am no longer on TikTok. #BoycottChineseProducts”
Am no longer on tiktok. #BoycottChineseProducts pic.twitter.com/QEqCGza9j7
— Milind Usha Soman (@milindrunning) May 29, 2020
Notable actor Ranvir Shorey also shared a similar sentiment, “Bilkul. Beshaq. #BoycottChina#CKMKB”, his tweet read.
Bilkul. Beshaq. #BoycottChina. #CKMKB
— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) May 29, 2020
Television actor Kaamya Punjab also wrote in support of the movement. “I never had such apps on my phone. Would like to request all who have commercials attached with such Chinese products to use alternative Be Indian buy Indian #BoycottChineseProducts,” she said.
While this movement has already gained momentum amongst Indians, there is yet to be an official notification from the government banning Chinese products. Whether or not this will make any difference remains questionable.