Woman objects to man using her dance video for 'kotha' post on X. Mumbai Police steps in

A Mumbai-based choreographer has sought help from the Mumbai Police and a cyber security expert from the Haryana Police after an X user used one of her dance videos for a post on cultural fests in colleges turning into "kotha" -- an archaic term used for brothels or for buildings that houses courtisans.

Shruti Parija on Saturday took to X after the user Prateek Aaryan refused to take down the video following multiple requests. In his post, Aaryan said participants in cultural fests have been "shaking booty on item songs".

"Indian schools and colleges are well known for organising 'Sanskritik karyakram' and performances based traditional and regional culture, but now it has become a 'kotha'." he wrote. "In the name of cultural events, shaking booty on item songs is all they call a cultural program. Along with the education system, the cultural system is in danger in India. What a downfall for this generation and colleges in India."

Responding to his post, Parija clarified that she was not a student at the college but was in fact a professional performer.

"After endless requests made to Prateek Aaryan to take my video down from his post where he is comparing the stage I’m dancing on as a kotha, in turn defaming me and damaging my reputation, he has refused to do so and has blackmailed me instead," she wrote tagging the Mumbai Police and cyber security expert Tondon Rakshit.