Actor Isha Koppikar has addressed the criticism surrounding the “andhbhakt” tag, making it clear that she does not view patriotism as synonymous with allegiance to a political party.

In a statement that has drawn attention on social media, Koppikar said she would willingly accept the label if it was being used simply because she loves India and wants to see the country develop.

For the actor, however, there is an important distinction between supporting the nation and backing a particular political organisation. She said her commitment is to India itself and not to any political party.

Koppikar also argued that caring about the country does not mean agreeing with every government decision. In her view, genuine patriotism can also involve questioning policies, raising concerns and participating in efforts to make the country better.

Her comments have sparked discussion online, particularly amid ongoing debates over how patriotism is defined in India's increasingly polarised political environment.

Several supporters welcomed her attempt to separate national pride from political loyalty. They described her response as a direct answer to critics who use labels such as “bhakt” and “andhbhakt” during online arguments.

Koppikar’s remarks ultimately put the focus on a broader question: can someone strongly support their country while still questioning those who govern it? Her position appears to be that the two are not mutually exclusive.