Shikhar Pahariya, the grandson of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, called out an Instagram user who taunted him for being a “Dalit.”
Last year, during Diwali, an Instagram user with the handle candybabe_176 commented, “Lekin tu toh Dalit hai” (But you are a Dalit), accompanied by a laughing emoticon, under Shikhar’s post, which showcased him celebrating the festival and performing Hindu rituals. The post also featured pictures of actor Janhvi Kapoor, who is rumoured to be his girlfriend.
In response to the casteist comment, Shikhar wrote on March 18, “It is honestly pathetic that in 2025, there are people like you with such a small, backward mindset.”
He added, “Diwali is a festival of light, progress, and unity—concepts that are beyond your limited intellect. India’s strength has always been in its diversity and inclusivity, something you clearly fail to grasp.”
“The only thing ‘untouchable’ is your level of thinking,” Shikhar wrote on his Instagram story, sharing the comment.
Recently, Shikhar’s brother, Veer Pahariya, made his Bollywood debut with the film Sky Force, which also starred Akshay Kumar and Sara Ali Khan. Based on the true story of Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya, the film reportedly collected over Rs 100 crore within eight days of its release.
