Khushi Mukherjee talks about fame, fashion and paparazzi culture; says, 'Those who come from third-tier state should be sent back to their hometown' - Exclusive

Khushi Mukherjee on staying unapologetically true to herself.

• Khushi Mukherjee discusses fame, privacy, and her candid approach to public life
• She credits her rise to audience support and roles in The Society and Bollywood
• Khushi urges young women to embrace chaos and create their own stories

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In an era where celebrity visibility is relentless and public perception can shift in seconds, Khushi Mukherjee has learned to navigate fame on her own terms by being candid, chaotic, and unapologetically herself. From trending for her fashion choices to making headlines for her outspoken opinions, the actor and entrepreneur has never shied away from being the centre of conversation. In a candid chat, Khushi opens up about her journey, her relationship with fame, and why she believes certain boundaries around privacy and professionalism need to be urgently re-examined.

Khushi says her desire to face the camera began early. “Since childhood, whenever I would watch Bollywood movies, I wanted to be an actress,” she recalls, adding that the dream was instinctive long before it became strategic.

Asked what truly accelerated her rise — projects, visibility, or digital presence, she leaves the verdict to the audience. “The audience must decide what raised me to fame,” she says, pointing to her recent appearance on JioHotstar’s The Society, where she entered as a secret contestant. “That show, along with the Bollywood project I started with, brought me a lot of love.”

Recognition, she says, now extends beyond industry circles. “It feels good that Khushi Mukherjee has become a household name. Even women in families now show love towards my acting and dancing,” she shares.

However, with increased visibility comes constant surveillance. Khushi acknowledges that being frequently photographed has its highs and lows. “It feels good, but some amount of privacy is always appreciated,” she says. Her most pointed comment comes when discussing paparazzi culture. “The new paparazzi who come from some third-tier state should be sent back to their hometown — with due respect,” she remarks, clarifying that the issue is less about geography and more about professionalism, boundaries, and ethics.

Fashion remains a dominant talking point around her public image. For Khushi, it is neither rebellion nor shock value alone. “Fashion defines one’s personality. As a role model, one must keep experimenting,” she says, dismissing the idea that her clothing overshadows her work. “I feel overwhelmed by the love. Sometimes the audience and media make me bigger than newly launched shows and films,” she adds with a laugh.

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On controversies, including reports of a Rs 100 crore defamation case linked to comments about cricketer Suryakumar Yadav, Khushi appears unfazed. “Which case? I’m not even aware of it,” she says. Still, she remains firm about speaking her truth. “I’ll always speak my heart out. But sometimes it’s okay to ignore the drama and stay away from negativity.”

Asked what young women should take from her journey, Khushi signs off in her signature irreverent tone, “Be chaotic. It’s fun. Create stories — interesting ones. And if you want discipline and order, join the Indian Army,” she jokes.