A YouTube video by popular content creator Dhruv Rathee has triggered a significant social media uproar, centering on a thumbnail featuring a before-and-after image of Bollywood actor Janhvi Kapoor. The controversy quickly escalated beyond the video's core subject, drawing in allegations of political targeting and timing.
From Beauty Discussion to Political Firestorm
The video, which discusses the concept of 'fake beauty' and cosmetic procedures, used Janhvi Kapoor's image in its thumbnail. This choice soon led to a viral social media narrative claiming Rathee's content was a direct reaction to Kapoor's recent post in support of Bangladeshi Hindus. The speculation was fueled by the perceived timing and visuals.
A particular post that went viral carried the caption, "Wake Up Hindus. Janhvi Kapoor posted for Bangladeshi Hindu & Dhruv Rathee made a video questioning her beauty." This claim led to widespread criticism on various platforms, with many users condemning Rathee's alleged intent without having watched the full video or verifying the sequence of events.
Rathee's Blunt Clarification and Timeline Defense
Addressing the allegations head-on, Dhruv Rathee released a clarification video where he sharply criticized those believing the viral claims. "God has given you a brain — why don't you use it?" he questioned, adding, "You'll keep blindly believing whatever posts the BJP's IT cell puts out."
He strongly refuted the timeline presented by the critics. Rathee pointed out, "First of all, I uploaded a half-hour-long video on the very same day Janhvi Kapoor shared her post. Is that even realistically possible?" He emphasized the logistical impossibility of creating, editing, and uploading a lengthy response video within such a short window.
Dismissing Links to Bangladeshi Hindu Support Post
Rathee categorically dismissed the notion that he was targeting Janhvi Kapoor for her stance on Bangladeshi Hindus, calling the allegation illogical. "Secondly, I myself made a reel about Bangladeshi Hindus, so why would I criticise someone over that?" he stated.
Taking a direct swipe at his accusers, he added, "I'm not like you people who criticise someone indirectly. I say whatever I have to say directly to their face. I'm not afraid of your father and I'm not afraid of any Bollywood celebrity either."
Core Subject: Plastic Surgery, Not Janhvi Kapoor
In his clarification, Rathee stressed that the central theme of his video was societal impact of cosmetic enhancements, not a personal attack. "This entire video is about plastic surgery and the impact it has on society. Throughout the video, I did not question Janhvi Kapoor at all," he explained.
He clarified that Janhvi Kapoor was featured in the thumbnail because she is among the few Bollywood personalities who have openly spoken about undergoing cosmetic procedures. The video's focus, he maintained, was on the broader industry trends and societal pressures.
As the online debate continues to rage, Janhvi Kapoor has not publicly reacted to the controversy or to Dhruv Rathee's clarification video. The incident highlights how quickly context can be lost on social media, transforming a thematic discussion into a polarized political and personal battleground.
