Actress and digital creative Kusha Kapila has replied angrily to a meme that called her a “random” star at the Cannes Film Festival, pointing out the contemptuous tone and elaborating on why she was there.

A journalist shared the meme, which included a clip from the satirical American television show The Studio together with pictures of Kusha, actress Urvashi Rautela, and YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia (also known as BeerBiceps). Characters in the video make fun of red carpet guests by remarking, “Who are these people? None of them are familiar to me. They have sway. The majority of them never even enter. They just depart after creating their red carpet TikToks.

Kusha was not amused by the meme, despite the fact that it seemed to be directed against influencer culture. She replied in-depth in the comment area, telling the artist and the internet that she wasn’t only there to take pictures.

She commented, “You’ve copied a photo of mine from 2023 and put it on a meme about Cannes this year”.” I’ve previously received criticism, thought it over, changed my direction, and apologized. I have never appeared anywhere I don’t belong.

“For context, I did attend the screening for The Idol, watched two episodes, and even posted a brutally honest review,” she said, dispelling the myth that influencers don’t go to the real screenings. It was terrible. However, I wasn’t simply there to walk the red carpet.

Kusha went on to describe how business sponsorships have historically been used to finance star appearances on the Cannes red carpet. In the past, businesses have paid actors to walk the red carpet. “It’s not a brand-new ‘trend’ that influencers started,” she said.

Although she accepted criticism of her acting career as normal, she objected to the phrase “random celebrity.” It’s okay to criticize me for not leaving my imprint as an actor just yet; I’ll keep trying. Don’t call me random, however. You’re making a mockery out of my identity. I’m an artist. Call me that.

“I fully support Indian films at Cannes (Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound is showing this year), but it bothers me when random celebrities like Beer Biceps and Kusha Kapila are sponsored to walk the red carpet,” the meme’s description said. Urvashi Rautela, meanwhile, has made her millionth appearance at Cannes.

The journalist expressed regret after Kusha’s scathing remark, saying, “I apologize if I offended you or the creative community in any way. I am aware that you went to the 2023 Cannes Film Festival for The Idol, which everyone detested. This joke wasn’t directed at content makers particularly; rather, it was a general mockery of Cannes. And I really apologize if referring to you as “random” came out as condescending. will pay closer attention.

With roles in Life Hill Gayi, Minus One: New Chapter, Dehati Ladke, and Thank You For Coming, Kusha Kapila—who is well-known for her viral comedy sketches and fashion commentary—has made a smooth transition into acting. She has also appeared in movies, including Netflix’s Ghost Stories, Plan A Plan B, and Sukhee.