{
  "id": 18276367,
  "title": "'It Is About Air, Not Religion': Soni Razdan Reacts To Backlash Over Calling Bursting Firecrackers On Diwali 'Anti-National'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/it-is-about-air-not-religion-soni-razdan-reacts-to-backlash-over",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-05T08:25:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/it-is-about-air-not-religion-soni-razdan-reacts-to-backlash-over-calling-bursting-firecrackers-on-diwali-anti-national"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Veteran actress Soni Razdan addressed the backlash she received for her comments on bursting firecrackers during Diwali. Initially criticized for calling the practice \"anti-national,\" \"anti-life,\" and \"anti-health,\" Soni clarified her stance, emphasizing the issue of air pollution and public health. The controversy began when she shared a post urging parents to consider the impact of firecrackers on children's health. Soni explained that her remarks were not about religion but about the worsening air quality and its effect on children's health, school attendance, and overall well-being. She stressed the importance of making healthier choices for children and maintaining collective responsibility for public health. Soni emphasized that choosing not to burst crackers is not anti-national but a responsible decision for the well-being of the community. She argued that using the term \"anti-national\" should focus on the danger of air pollution rather than religious beliefs. Soni expressed frustration over the misinterpretation of her message, stating that it is about \"AIR\" and the health of every citizen, regardless of religion or beliefs. She urged people to focus on collective responsibility and the common goal of a cleaner, healthier environment for all children.",
  "summary": "Alia Bhatt's mother and veteran actress Soni Razdan responded to the backlash over her remarks against bursting firecrackers during Diwali. After facing criticism and trolling on social media for calling the practice 'anti-national', 'anti-life' and 'anti-health', the actress clarified that her comments were about air pollution and public health, and not religion. The controversy began after Soni…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "Soni Razdan reacts after fans link her ‘anti-national’ Diwali post to Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/soni-razdan-reacts-after-fans-link-her-anti-national-diwali-post-to",
        "published": "2026-11-05T10:50:25.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}