In a world ruled by algorithms, where every like, share, and comment feels like a golden ticket to relevance, people are pushing boundaries like never before. The latest example? A Kolkata-based Instagram model, Sannati Mitra, whose bold dance in nothing but a towel at the iconic India Gate has sparked widespread outrage. While some label it as audacious creativity, most netizens have slammed the act as disrespectful and attention-seeking. This incident raises an important question: How far is too far when chasing viral fame?
What Happened?
On International Men’s Day, Sannati Mitra, an Instagram model and content creator, posted a reel of herself dancing at India Gate to the iconic Bollywood track Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. While the song itself is a classic celebration of dreams and love, Mitra’s choice of attire—a white towel—became the focal point of controversy. She captioned the video:
“Happy International Men’s Day. May you all continue to inspire and motivate others with your courage, kindness, and empathy.”
The video, which gained over 200,000 views within two hours, quickly became a lightning rod for criticism. India Gate, a war memorial built to honor soldiers who laid down their lives during World War I, holds immense historical significance, making her act appear disrespectful to many.
Critics were quick to call her actions inappropriate, with some accusing her of staging the act purely for attention. The public outcry included comments like, “Is this creativity or madness?” and “People will do anything for likes these days.” Others went a step further, demanding her arrest for public obscenity and disrespecting a national monument.
The Virality Trap: Fame at Any Cost?
Sannati’s stunt isn’t an isolated incident. Over the years, we’ve seen everything from dangerous stunts to outrageous gimmicks in the name of virality. Social media platforms thrive on engagement, rewarding sensationalism over substance. This environment has created a “virality trap”—a space where creators push increasingly controversial boundaries to stand out.
For Sannati, a model trying to carve out her niche in the digital space, the towel dance may have been an attempt to grab attention in an oversaturated market. Viral fame often leads to increased followers, brand collaborations, and social media clout, but acts like this come at the cost of public scrutiny.
Freedom of Expression vs. Responsibility
To be fair, creativity thrives on freedom. Social media is a space where boundaries are constantly being redefined. However, freedom of expression doesn’t absolve responsibility. India Gate is not just a tourist spot; it’s a war memorial that holds deep historical and emotional significance. By choosing such a location for a controversial act, Sannati crossed a line that blurred creativity and disrespect.
Her actions raise questions about intent. Was this an artistic expression, or was it a desperate attempt to exploit a landmark’s cultural significance for personal gain? While some argue that art should provoke and challenge societal norms, actions like these often overshadow meaningful conversations and reduce monuments to mere backdrops.
The Role of Social Media Platforms
Platforms like Instagram are designed to amplify visibility, but they’re often complicit in enabling reckless behavior. The algorithm rewards sensationalism, and creators learn quickly that the more controversial the content, the more engagement it receives. In Sannati’s case, the video’s virality likely stemmed from its shock value rather than its creative merit.
Should social media platforms intervene in such cases? Stricter guidelines for content created at culturally significant locations could ensure that creators respect public spaces and local sentiments. Accountability must be shared by both creators and the platforms that elevate them.
Where Do We Draw the Line?
The larger question remains: Where should society draw the line between creative freedom and public decency? Dancing in a towel might seem harmless to some, but context matters. When the act is performed at a location as significant as India Gate, it ceases to be just about self-expression. It becomes a statement, intentional or not, about our collective values.
Sannati Mitra’s stunt will eventually fade from public memory, replaced by the next viral sensation. However, the impact of such acts lingers—on our collective psyche, on the way we view creativity, and on the boundaries we set for self-expression. In the race for virality, let’s not forget the importance of context, responsibility, and respect.
