"Stop showing your privilege"
Varun Dhawan was criticised by a netizen for allegedly flaunting his “privilege” while India struggles to cope with the surge in Covid-19 cases.
The Bollywood star and his wife Natasha Dalal had been in the town of Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, where Varun had been shooting for his upcoming film Bhediya.
The couple returned to Mumbai on April 21, 2021.
At the airport, the paparazzi approached Varun to take his photo, however, he told them to maintain social distancing, telling them to be “more responsible”.
He also refused to pose with a fan.
A video of the incident went viral and in reaction, a netizen criticised Varun for telling people to follow Covid-19 guidelines while he flaunted his “privilege”.
The troll wrote: “You went out for vacay and gave paps the chance to snap, now you come back and complain.
“Stop showing your privilege when people in your country are dying.”
Varun gave an angry response, replying:
“Well, your assumption is wrong. I was shooting my film and not on holiday. And what do you mean ‘Gave them a chance?’ How do you not give them a chance?
“I have people who have also lost their life in Covid. So please keep your assumptions to yourself.”
Varun Dhawan was previously criticised for posting an insensitive tweet.
He had shared a fan-made picture of himself as his various film characters in celebration of his upcoming birthday.
Varun also asked his fans to stay safe.
However, users pointed out that his post was insensitive.
One person wrote: “Oh Varun. I thought you’re one of the sensible ones.”
Varun then replied: “Well it was to make someone happy who made the graphic and requested it but I guess this medium shouldn’t be used for that right now.”
Bhediya also stars Kriti Sanon. It is set to release on April 14, 2022.
In 2020, Varun Dhawan was one of Bollywood’s first celebrities to explain the seriousness of the pandemic.
Numerous Bollywood stars such as Disha Patani, Ranbir Kapoor and Tiger Shroff have been criticised for going on lavish holidays and posting pictures.
Meanwhile, India is experiencing a second wave that is seeing hundreds of thousands of cases every day.
Author Shobhaa De slammed Bollywood stars for their open display of a “privileged life”.
Her post read: “It is the height of vulgarity to flaunt those ridiculous pictures. Enjoy Maldives by all means.
“You are blessed if you can get such a break in these bleak times.
“But do everyone a favour… keep it private.”