Actor Saiyami Kher recently voiced her concerns over the deteriorating air quality in Mumbai through social media. She drew parallels between the current situation and the Covid-19 pandemic, emphasizing that unlike a virus, the air itself is a growing threat to public health. Fellow actor Richa Chadha expressed her agreement with Kher’s observations.
In her post, Kher shared a reflective message accompanied by a photo of herself wearing a mask at the beach. She wrote about her long-standing love for running along the ocean breeze, expressing sorrow that such a simple pleasure has been overshadowed by the need for masks. Kher remarked on how the very air we depend on for survival seems to have transformed into a luxury, highlighting her own struggles with keeping her home safe by using an air purifier and moving her runs indoors.
Diving deeper into her feelings, Kher described running as an essential part of her well-being. She articulated a troubling realization: the activity that once invigorated her now feels detrimental due to pollution. “Running is the thing that keeps me whole… But now the act I built my life around feels like it’s quietly destroying me,” she lamented.
Kher concluded her thoughts with a poignant reminder that air quality issues are no longer seasonal or political—they have become a matter of urgent accountability. She questioned whether basic responsibility for the environment is too much to ask of those in power, reflecting the frustration many citizens feel.
Richa Chadha also responded to discussions regarding celebrity activism around air quality. A user on X (formerly Twitter) lamented the silence of notable figures in Mumbai concerning the pollution crisis, suggesting that it has become easier for them to buy air purifiers than to address the issues facing their own community. Chadha retorted by showing appreciation for those who do speak out, while reaffirming Kher’s importance in articulating the struggles of Mumbai’s residents.
The resonance of Kher’s message has found support among many users online. Commenters voiced their agreement, stating that the air quality issue is indeed critical and lamenting the impact it has on running and outdoor activities. With air quality in Mumbai measured at an “unhealthy” AQI level of 154, the call for accountability and action continues to grow among concerned citizens.