Kusha Kapila Hits Back At ‘Random Celebrity’ Label: 'I’m A Creator, Call Me That'

Kusha Kapila has firmly responded to criticism over her appearance at the Cannes, particularly after a viral Instagram reel used her image to mock the presence of influencers at the prestigious event.

Kusha Kapila slams journalist for calling her 'random celebrity.'

Source : Instagram

Kusha Kapila has firmly responded to criticism over her appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, particularly after a viral Instagram reel used her image to mock the presence of influencers at the prestigious event. The content creator and actor didn’t hold back when addressing being labeled a “random celebrity,” defending her presence and clarifying the context of her appearance at the festival.

Kusha Kapila reacts to video calling her 'random celeb'

The reel in question featured a scene from the American TV series The Studio, where characters played by Seth Rogen and Catherine O'Hara comment on influencers who walk the red carpet at major events like Cannes but don’t actually attend the screenings. Accompanied by a voiceover, the video questioned the increasing presence of influencers at Cannes in recent years.

Images of Kusha, along with YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia and actor Urvashi Rautela, were included in the post to question their relevance at the film festival. Reacting to it, Kusha commented on the post (as reported by Pinkvilla), writing: “You have taken a picture of mine from 2023, slapped on a meme that you are likely making about this year’s Cannes film festival. I have already been called out plenty that year, reflected, course corrected and done my share of apologising and never ever been seen in a place where I don’t deserve a place.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Kusha also addressed the broader criticism earlier on X (formerly Twitter), where she called out another journalist for questioning influencers' legitimacy at such events. She explained that she will continue to make the most of the opportunities that come her way and does not appreciate how years of her hard work were “invalidated.”

In her Instagram comment, she further clarified: “For context, I actually did attend the screening that day for the show, The Idol, and sat through two episodes of the show and also posted an honest review. It was a terrible show. I posted pictures and stories from inside the screening so no, I didn't just exit from the red carpet.”

She continued by shedding light on how brand associations have long played a role at Cannes: “Historically companies HAVE sponsored celebrities and actors to walk the red carpet. Brands buy the ticket for the red carpet. Title sponsors of the event can have their ambassadors walk on the carpets. It's not a trend started by creators/influencers. Calling me out for not yet making a mark as an actor is fair, I will keep trying and take that on my chin but please don't refer to me as a random celebrity. Calling someone's entire existence random is not cool. I am a creator. Call me that please. It's a meme for you. For me, it's my identity.”

India at Cannes 2025

Meanwhile, at the 2025 edition of Cannes, director Payal Kapadia is serving on the main jury. Indian cinema is also being represented by Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, premiering in the Un Certain Regard section, and Satyajit Ray’s classic Aranyer Din Ratri, which will be showcased in the Cannes Classics segment.