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Kusha Kapila has hit back at a viral meme labeling her a “random” celebrity at Cannes, clarifying her 2023 appearance was legitimate.
Kusha Kapila responds to a viral meme calling her a “random celebrity” at Cannes.
Digital creator and actress Kusha Kapila has responded sharply to a meme that labeled her a “random” celebrity at the Cannes Film Festival, calling out the dismissive tone while clarifying the context of her presence at the prestigious event.
The meme, posted by a journalist, featured images of Kusha, YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia (a.k.a. BeerBiceps), and actress Urvashi Rautela alongside a clip from The Studio, a satirical American series. In the clip, characters mockingly comment on red carpet attendees saying, “Who are these people? I don’t recognise any of them. They are influencers. Most of them don’t even go inside. They just make their red carpet TikToks and leave.”
While the meme was seemingly aimed at influencer culture, Kusha wasn’t amused. Taking to the comment section, she responded with a detailed message, reminding the creator—and the internet—that she wasn’t just there for photos.
“You’ve used a picture of mine from 2023, pasted it onto a meme about this year’s Cannes,” she wrote. “I’ve already been called out, I reflected, course-corrected, and apologised. I’ve never shown up where I don’t belong.”
Addressing the misconception that influencers don’t attend the actual screenings, she continued: “For context, I did attend the screening for The Idol, watched two episodes, and even posted a brutally honest review. It was awful. But I didn’t just show up for the red carpet.”
Kusha further explained how celebrity appearances at Cannes red carpets have long been supported by corporate sponsorships. “Historically, companies have sponsored actors to walk the red carpet. It isn’t a new ‘trend’ started by influencers,” she added.
While she acknowledged criticism about her acting career as fair game, she took issue with the term “random celebrity.” “Calling me out for not yet making a mark as an actor is valid—I’ll keep working on that. But please don’t call me random. That’s my identity you’re reducing to a joke. I’m a creator. Call me that.”
The meme was captioned: “Full support to Indian films at Cannes (Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound is up this year), but random celebs like Beer Biceps and Kusha Kapila being sponsored to walk the red carpet—that gives me the ick. Meanwhile, Urvashi Rautela has made her millionth Cannes appearance.”
Following Kusha’s pointed comment, the journalist apologised: “My apologies if I hurt any sentiments for you or the creator community. I know you attended the 2023 edition of Cannes for The Idol (yeah, we all hated it). This meme was a generic satire on Cannes—not aimed specifically at content creators. And if calling you ‘random’ felt dismissive, I truly apologise. Will be more mindful.”
Kusha Kapila, known for her viral comedy skits and fashion commentary, has successfully transitioned into acting with projects like Life Hill Gayi, Minus One: New Chapter, Dehati Ladke, and Thank You For Coming. She’s also featured in films such as Sukhee, Plan A Plan B, and Netflix’s Ghost Stories.
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