Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Dec 28: A YouTube thumbnail featuring a before-and-after image of actor Janhvi Kapoor has triggered a major online controversy, prompting YouTuber and social commentator Dhruv Rathee to issue a clarification video, rejecting claims that he targeted the actor for her recent post supporting Bangladeshi Hindus.
Social media platforms were abuzz after Rathee used Janhvi Kapoor’s image in the thumbnail of his video discussing “fake beauty” and the impact of cosmetic procedures. The backlash intensified when several users alleged that the video was a reaction to Janhvi’s support for Bangladeshi Hindus, with a viral post claiming, “Wake Up Hindus. Janhvi Kapoor posted for Bangladeshi Hindu & Dhruv Rathee made a video questioning her beauty.”
Addressing the allegations, Rathee strongly criticised what he described as blind belief in misleading online narratives. He pointed out that the timing of the video itself disproved the claim, noting that his half-hour-long video was uploaded on the same day as Janhvi Kapoor’s post, making such a reaction practically impossible.
Rathee further said it would make no sense for him to criticise Janhvi Kapoor for speaking about Bangladeshi Hindus, as he himself had created content highlighting the issue. He asserted that he does not resort to indirect criticism and openly voices his views without fear of political groups or Bollywood celebrities.
Clarifying the intent behind the video, Rathee said the content was entirely focused on plastic surgery and its impact on society, and not on Janhvi Kapoor’s political or social views. He explained that Janhvi’s image was used in the thumbnail because she is among the few Bollywood actors who have openly acknowledged undergoing cosmetic procedures.
Rathee stressed that the actor was not questioned or criticised anywhere in the video itself, and accused sections of social media of deliberately twisting the narrative to provoke outrage.
Meanwhile, Janhvi Kapoor has not issued any response to the controversy or Rathee’s clarification so far.