Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have found themselves at the centre of a social media storm after a video from an airport surfaced online, showing the celebrity couple refusing a selfie request from a specially abled man.
The clip, which quickly went viral on Instagram and X, has triggered intense debate, with netizens sharply divided over celebrity boundaries, public behaviour, and basic courtesy.
The video appears to show Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma navigating through a crowded airport terminal amid tight security. As they make their way toward their vehicle, a man, identified by users as differently abled, is seen attempting to approach the couple for a photograph.
However, amid the chaos of flashing cameras, fans, and security personnel, the couple does not stop for a selfie and continues toward their car. It was their security who brushed the disabled man aside while the cricketer continued to walk towards his vehicle.
What might otherwise have been dismissed as a routine celebrity moment soon escalated into widespread backlash once the comments section filled up with criticism. Many users accused Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma of being 'insensitive and arrogant', particularly because the request came from a physically challenged person.
One user wrote, “See how @cristiano behaves with disabled people,” drawing a direct comparison between Kohli and football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who is often praised for his interactions with fans. Another comment read, “Ek pic bhi de deta bande ko,” suggesting that a single photograph would not have cost the cricketer much.
Several comments were harsher in tone, questioning Virat Kohli’s humility despite his public image of spirituality and discipline.
“Ghamand toh Ravan jaise gyani aur Shiv bhakt ko bhi le dubara… cricket apni jagah aur insaniyat apni jagah,” one user wrote, invoking a mythological reference to stress the dangers of arrogance. Another bluntly stated, “It’s rude,” a sentiment echoed repeatedly across the thread.
Some netizens also criticised the paparazzi culture surrounding celebrities, arguing that constant crowding makes such situations unavoidable. “If they are paparazzi, they should have basic manner to keep distance while clicking their pictures. This is such a harassment, let them breathe at least,” one comment read, shifting the blame toward media intrusion rather than the celebrities themselves.
However, the dominant narrative in the comment sections leaned toward disappointment. A user wrote, “Go for spiritual trips but behave badly with someone who’s handicapped,” referring to Virat and Anushka's frequent visits to religious and spiritual destinations. Another added, “Disgusting behaviour… so much for being spiritual and vinamra.”
The criticism did not stop with Virat Kohli alone. Anushka Sharma was also dragged into the controversy, with some comments turning overtly personal. One controversial remark stated, “Shameful behaviour by these two arrogant pricks… who the hell even cares about Anushka Sharma. If she weren’t married to Virat, nobody would give a damn.”
While such comments crossed into abuse, they reflected the intensity of emotions triggered by the video.
At the same time, a section of users questioned why celebrities are expected to constantly stop and pose for photographs, especially in high-security public spaces like airports.
“Pata nahi log kyo inke aage pichhe ghumte hai,” one user commented, expressing frustration with fan entitlement.
Another pointed out logistical realities, saying, “He reached Delhi on the 14th, today again he is leaving. Does he even get time to meet his family? He has lots of professional commitments.”
So far, neither Virat Kohli nor Anushka Sharma has issued a statement addressing the incident or the backlash.
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