Actor Richa Chadha has voiced support for demonstrators protesting against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, sharing a makeup tutorial on social media that she said could help protesters avoid facial recognition cameras.
Richa posted the video on X on Sunday, October 11, claiming that demonstrators were being filmed without their consent. The protests centre on alleged irregularities linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with demonstrators demanding Kumar’s resignation.
Amid heightened security and reports of detentions in Delhi, the actor also urged protesters to prioritise their safety, remain peaceful and look out for one another.
Richa Chadha Shares Makeup Tutorial for Protesters Concerned About Surveillance
Sharing the video on X, Richa addressed demonstrators directly and suggested using makeup as a way to counter surveillance and facial recognition technology.
“Dear protestors, since you’re being filmed without your consent, try using make-up to dodge surveillance/facial recognition cameras. Here’s a tutorial,” she wrote.
The actor followed the post with a message encouraging protesters to take precautions while attending demonstrations. She specifically addressed women, advising them to carry pepper spray.
“Be safe, stay hydrated, stay strong. Girls, carry pepper spray. BULLIES ARE ALWAYS COWARDS, don’t forget. Stay peaceful, don’t be silent, don’t be violent,” Richa wrote.
Her remarks came as demonstrations continued over allegations surrounding the SIR exercise. The allegations remain contested, while protesters have called for accountability from the Election Commission.
Richa’s post brought renewed attention to questions about surveillance, privacy and personal safety during public demonstrations. However, the effectiveness of makeup as a means of defeating facial recognition systems can vary depending on the technology used and should not be assumed.
Richa Chadha Had Earlier Urged Delhi Residents to Join the Protests
This was not the first time Richa had used social media to comment on the demonstrations.
Ahead of Saturday’s protest, the actor encouraged Delhi residents to participate, arguing that travel restrictions could make it difficult for people from outside the city to reach central areas.
“So many restrictions on the border and locomotives etc, means baahar wale people can’t come into the central part. But those who live in the city should go in large numbers. Carry water. Wear a mask, cap, shades… walk. (They’re counting on you NOT showing up. Prove them wrong). Ooh ! Don’t miss the make-up tutorial,” she wrote.
Her comments reflected her public support for the demonstrations and highlighted the precautions she believed participants should consider when attending them.
The actor’s posts have also placed her among Bollywood personalities speaking out about the protests and the police action surrounding them.
CJP Leaders and Student Activist Reportedly Detained in Delhi
The demonstrations have also drawn attention following reports that political leaders and activists were detained amid increased security in the national capital.
According to the supplied report, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were reportedly detained after their flight landed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
All India Students’ Association national president Neha Bora was also reportedly detained while participating in a protest at Dilli Haat in the INA area.
The demonstrations continued into Sunday, while opposition parties were reported to have led a march towards the Supreme Court on Monday.
The protests centre on allegations related to the SIR exercise and demands for accountability from the Election Commission. The specific circumstances surrounding the reported detentions and the authorities’ response require confirmation from reliable, up-to-date sources.
