Cinema VinesActor‑influencer Ahilya, who grew up in the eco‑centric commune of Auroville, has made headlines not only for her debut role as the environmentally conscious Gauri in Singeetham Srinivasa Rao’s musical Singeetham Geetham, but also for her outspoken support of student protests and the closure of the Auroville Youth Centre.
When nationwide demonstrations erupted over alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and called for the resignation of Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ahilya joined the ranks of a handful of film personalities on the streets. “I was raised to be a humanitarian first,” she told the Hindustan Times. “I care about the welfare of my country’s citizens, especially its youth, and that makes me willing to speak openly about matters that matter to me.”
Addressing concerns that actors might lose work by voicing political views, Ahilya said the fear is real but she feels confident in her intentions. “Speaking up about something sensitive is scary for many, but I know my intentions are right, so I’m not afraid,” she added. “If you challenge that, there’s something wrong, right?”
The controversy in Auroville began earlier this year when the Youth Centre, a hub for creative activities such as music and pizza nights, was officially shut down after prolonged disputes between residents and the Auroville Foundation. Ahilya recalled the centre as a vital space for free expression and community building. “I’m very sad that the youth centre has shut,” she said. “It’s crucial for any society to have a place where the youth can be creative and open together. In a place like Auroville, which thrives on community, its closure is a loss.”
She expressed hope that the spirit of the centre will endure and be revived in a new location. “I hope the spirit will not die and we will be able to revive it in a new space in the future,” she concluded, underscoring her belief that development and conservation can coexist in Auroville’s unique social experiment.
