Even before people could recover from the Met Gala hangover, social media feeds have been filled with pictures and lookbooks from the Cannes Film Festival. With Deepika, Priyanka, and Kangana stirring quite the attention with their drool-worthy outfits, there was also another actress who graced the occasion and caught the eyes, and some unnecessary criticism, of many.
TV star Hina Khan made her debut to Cannes this year and trolls didn’t hold back from attacking her. Even though trolling celebs is a given on social media, it’s surprising and upsetting when it comes from someone pretty famous in Bollywood.
According to sources, Filmfare magazine editor Jitesh Pillai mocked Hina Khan’s appearance at Cannes and posted an Instagram story making fun of her.
However, even before Hina Khan could respond, Ekta Kapoor, Gauhar Khan, and celebs not just from the TV fraternity but also from Bollywood stepped up to slam Jitesh for making such a derogatory comment.
https://twitter.com/Rangoli_A/status/1129013496954408960
Hey @jiteshpillaai Cannes is neither chandivali studios nor biased towards any medium just like some Ass-licking swine editors of India. And @eyehinakhan ‘s journey from chandivali to Cannes has definitely burnt a lot of arses.. https://t.co/jItvTWF1YA
— NIA SHARMA (@Theniasharma) May 16, 2019
Cannes is NO Chandivali studio. It can't ever be. Chandivali is where many TV shows, ad films and features have been shot. Some very iconic one's too. @jiteshpillaai
To a continued journey of evolution and breaking norms, @eyehinakhan ! You go girl 🔥
— Nakuul Mehta (@NakuulMehta) May 16, 2019
I'm angry but not without a cause!
I may not be doing tv currently but I'm so proud of working in television. And I don't intend to stand around watch as people try to dull this girl's sparkle (although it can't) by demeaning her hard work and efforts as a professional. pic.twitter.com/f3ZzFYFUVO— Ridhi Dogra (@iRidhiDogra) May 16, 2019
Later on, Hina Khan took on Twitter to address the matter and made a promise to work so hard as to make her place in the entertainment industry.
I was persistent, I m constant n I will b efficient again n again again. Don’t know where I belong, don’t know if I have to, as d Place don’t define me! Bcause as always I will work my a** off n I will make my own PLACE. My promise,a proud outsider from my Chandiwali studios. 🙏
— Hina Khan (@eyehinakhan) May 16, 2019
Celebs stood by Hina and lauded her for representing the entire television industry on the red carpet.
Hina we r so proud of u https://t.co/0V26krdHyh
— Ekta Kapoor (@ektarkapoor) May 16, 2019
You go Slay girl! https://t.co/WDfOrY0mMb
— Ridhi Dogra (@iRidhiDogra) May 16, 2019
Iv shot many a times at Chandivali Studios n its a great place !! So proud of you @eyehinakhan .. it’s not where we come frm but where we are going that matters!! Hav fun at #CannesFilmFestival2019 ur probably the only one who s there 4 the right reasons.. A film!!
— Farah Khan (@TheFarahKhan) May 17, 2019
That’s the spirit. Shame on elitist snobs who have none of your grace. https://t.co/5YhL4WcwSm
— Rajeev Masand (@RajeevMasand) May 17, 2019
After receiving major backlash for his mockery, Jitesh Pillai finally posted an apology on his Instagram story.
Despite being trolled by him, Hina didn’t express any sort of anger. Instead, she was very calm and dignified in her response to the apology.
Whether from Bollywood or from the TV industry, if one represents the country in such a prestigious event, it’s a matter of immense pride!