Content creator and actress Kusha Kapila has hit back at a viral meme that mocked her presence at the Cannes Film Festival, labeling her a “random celebrity” and questioning the relevance of Indian influencers on the prestigious red carpet.
The meme, which has circulated widely online, featured a compilation of Kusha Kapila, YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia (aka BeerBiceps), and actor Urvashi Rautela. It was paired with a satirical video where voices mockingly say, “Who are these people? I don’t recognise any of them. They are influencers. Most of them don’t even go inside. They just make their red carpet TikToks and leave."
The caption accompanying the meme read, "Full support to Indian films at Cannes (Neeraj Ghaywan's 'Homebound' is up this year) but random celebs like Beer Biceps and Kusha Kapila being sponsored by companies to walk the red carpet, that gives me the ick. As I post this, our 'queen' Urvashi Rautela has already made her millionth Cannes appearance (sic)."
Refusing to remain silent, Kusha Kapila responded directly in the comments. She began by correcting the post, stating, "You have taken a picture of mine from 2023, slapped on a meme that you are likely making about this year’s Cannes film festival. I have already been called out plenty that year, reflected, course corrected and done my share of apologising and never ever been seen in a place where I don’t deserve a place."
She further clarified that her 2023 appearance was legitimate. "For context, I actually did attend the screening that day for the show, 'The Idol', and sat through two episodes of the show and also posted an honest review. It was a terrible show. I posted pictures and stories from inside the screening so no, I didn’t just exit from the red carpet (sic)."
Kusha also used the opportunity to educate critics on how brand partnerships work at global events like Cannes. "Historically, companies HAVE sponsored celebrities and actors to walk the red carpet. Brands buy the ticket for the red carpet. Title sponsors of the event can have their ambassadors walk on the carpets. It is not a 'trend' started by creators/influencers (sic)."
While acknowledging fair critique of her acting journey, she firmly rejected being dismissed as irrelevant. "Calling me out for not yet making a mark as an actor is fair, I will keep trying and take that on my chin but please don’t refer to me as a random celebrity. Calling someone’s entire existence random is not cool. I am a creator. Call me that please. It’s a meme for you. For me, it’s my identity."
From viral skits to the red carpet, Kusha Kapila has steadily built a presence through comedy, fashion, and acting. Her credits include ‘Life Hill Gayi’, ‘Minus One’, ‘Dehati Ladke’, ‘Thank You For Coming’, ‘Sukhee’, and ‘Plan A Plan B’—making her far from "random" in the eyes of her audience.
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