Television anchor and programme presenter Pearle Maaney has said she received threats, including to her two daughters, after stating that saffron is her favourite colour. Despite the intimidation and losing several followers on Instagram, she refused to change her stand. In a social media post on July 26, Pearle declared that those threatening her children would have to “first touch their momma bear”, making it clear that attempts to force her to abandon her stand on saffron would not succeed.
In her Instagram post, Pearle said her remarks had made “a lot of people uncomfortable” and had triggered reactions despite her advocating “peace, safety and non-violence”. Referring to one of her critics as “a failed film maker”, she alleged that he was trying to distort her post. She also said some people were sarcastically asking whether her two daughters were safe and were using them to blackmail her into changing her statement. Responding defiantly, Pearle wrote, “U have to first touch their momma bear for that. You are Messing with the wrong person.” Reaffirming her stand, she added, “U don’t have to give me freedom of speech. I already have it and I will use it!” and concluded, “Not ur usual puppet. I’m Pearle Maaney. And Yes! My favourite colour is saffron! I think I love it the most on our Indian 🇮🇳 Flag.”
In Kerala, even expressing one’s love for the saffron colour can invite threats.
Pearle said those issuing threats were trying to pressure her into changing her stand regarding saffron. But, she said, they were “messing with the wrong person”.
The controversy began when the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) was unleashing violent agitation in Delhi. Kerala celebrities, including Mammootty, were queuing up to support the violent agitators. But Pearle stuck to her stand. She then faced threats against her children. Responding on July 26, Pearle said those threatening her daughters would first have to “touch their momma bear”.
Pearle’s bold stand, according to the author, indicates the changes taking place in Kerala. The latest episode speaks out that non-BJP people would have to risk their lives if they take BJP stands. Once Yogi Adityanath said that Keralam is turning into Kashmir. It gave an indication that the state is in the tight clutches of religious fundamentalism. Thereafter, the happenings in the state vindicate Yogi’s stand.
The Malayalam film industry now undergoes a particularly alarming situation too. Those who follow anti-Sangh policies alone shall get roles in the Malayalam tinsel world. But there are bold souls like Pearle Maaney. She is ready to swim against the current. She is ready to confront the cultural terrorism of the pseudo-secular elements.
The controversy also had an impact on Pearle’s social media presence. According to reports, she lost more than three lakh Instagram followers within two days, with her follower count dropping from around 5.7 million to about 5.4 million after the controversy. Reports also said her YouTube and Facebook accounts witnessed a decline in followers during the same period
