Shah Rukh Khan to Sachin Tendulkar to Sania Mirza: 7 celebs who allegedly insulted the Indian National Flag

As an Indian, it is always a proud moment to see the tricolour flying high. Also, it gives us goosebumps when you hear the National Anthem, be it in India or outside.
 

Respect to the Indian flag and the National Anthem comes naturally for every citizen. It reaches fever pitch during January 26, Republic Day and August 15, Independence Day.

During the celebrations of Republic Day and Independence Day we have seen the young and the old waving Indian flags and later discarding them into bins. Is the respect for the flag, restricted to only these two special occasions and for only for a few hours?

It is the parents who should make their kids understand the value if the tricolour. Not just children, elders and our celebrities should understand the same and should know and be the role models for them. There are many sentiments attached to the Indian Flag. Disrespecting it can get you into legal trouble. Many Indian celebrities have faced problems and have been the target of trolls on social media for their negligence towards the tricolour.
 

A few years ago, Tennis star Sania Mirza was photographed sitting with her bare feet on a table next to an Indian flag. The Hyderabad player was heavily criticised by the media and her fans.

Likewise, during the same happy moments of India’s World Cup victory, Hindi film industry’s Baadshah Shah Rukh Khan was caught in the eyes of paparazzi when he held the flag upside down which displeased certain social activists.

During ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 celebrations, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan got into legal trouble when he wrapped the tricolour around him like a shawl.

On the other hand, actress Preity Zinta was seen waving a hand-fan with colours of the Indian flag during the 2011 World Cup final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

India's favourite cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was also accused of insulting the flag. According to reports, he was seen cutting a tricolour cake on his birthday.

Model-turned-actress Parvathy Omanakutan, who was Miss India 2008 was seen wearing a short skirt that was custom-designed to look like an Indian flag. People called it an insult to the national flag.

Mataji Nirmala Devi, who is a self-proclaimed goddess and the founder of Sahaja Yoga, was massively criticised for insulting the Indian flag. A picture was circulated where Nirmala Devi was sitting beside her husband, a former IAS officer and reportedly putting her feet on the Indian flag. Isn't shocking it?

Fashion designer Malini Ramani, who was very popular in the 90s, was also in trouble when she donned a short number which had Indian flag on it.

Mallika Sherawat also faced major controversy when she posed wearing nothing but a tricolour sitting on top of a car in Dirty Politics movie poster. A case was also filed against Mallika.