Kolkata Model Sannati Mitra Faces Backlash For Replicating Kajol's DDLJ Towel Dance At India Gate: Social Media Gimmick Much?

Sannati Mitra Dances In Towel At India Gate For International Men's Day

A recent video by model and influencer Sannati Mitra has sparked outrage online. The clip shows her dancing in a white towel and slippers at Delhi’s India Gate, lip-syncing to a song from the Bollywood classic ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.’ A crowd of tourists, including children, watched in astonishment as she twirled and briefly opened the towel, mimicking Kajol’s iconic dance scene from the film, though hers was set in a private room. Mitra captioned the video with a message for International Men’s Day, but the public setting, outfit, and provocative performance drew swift backlash.

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A post shared by Sannati Mitra🕊️ (@sannati__)

While the video amassed over 200,000 views in a few hours, it also faced heavy criticism. Social media users accused her of attention-seeking, disrespecting a national monument, and promoting indecency. Many comments called for legal action, with some demanding her arrest for what they deemed inappropriate behaviour in a public space.

This isn’t the first time Sannati Mitra has found herself at the centre of controversy. Previously, she and her friends faced backlash for their choice of attire at a Durga Puja pandal. Mitra wore a black gown with a thigh-high slit, her friend opted for an orange mini dress paired with knee-high boots, and the third member of their group chose a low-cut, cleavage-baring top. Their outfits were labelled ‘indecent’ and ‘vulgar’ by social media users, who criticised them for dressing inappropriately at a religious site.

How Far Is Too Far For Social Media Stardom?

The incident raises a pressing question: where do we draw the line between artistic creativity, and public decency? Sannati Mitra’s video isn’t the first time someone has pushed boundaries for social media fame. Earlier this year, in April 2024, a woman wearing a bikini stirred similar debates when she entered a crowded Delhi bus, shocking fellow passengers.

However, Sannati’s choice of location, India Gate, makes the situation more contentious. This iconic landmark isn’t just any public space; it stands as a solemn tribute to the nation’s fallen soldiers.

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I asked my colleague Amit’s opinion, and he said, "My first visit to India Gate was a humbling experience. Seeing families and veterans paying tribute made me realise the monument’s significance. So, when I saw Sannati’s video, it disturbed me. While creativity should be free, it comes with responsibility. Using a war memorial for attention isn’t art, it disrespects the space’s emotional value. Our national monuments hold stories of sacrifice, and artistic expression should never undermine their significance."

Amit’s concerns are valid, as locations like these carry deep historical and cultural significance, deserving respect beyond individual acts of creativity or content-making.

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A post shared by Sannati Mitra🕊️ (@sannati__)

I asked my colleague Shivangi for her take on Sannati's actions and whether I might be judging her too harshly. Her response was insightful: "To put it simply, I think Sannati is a marketing genius. She understands exactly what the audience wants and delivers it, cleverly packaging it as a 'social experiment.' To me, it's clear her content, especially the recent video is all about chasing social media fame, clicks, and views. The ironic part is that it works flawlessly because everyone, including you, me, and countless others, is either watching, talking, or writing about her."

Is she seeking attention and chasing social media clout? Perhaps. Is she disrespecting a national monument? That’s open to interpretation. What’s undeniable is that Mitra knows how to keep herself in the spotlight, even if it means walking the tightrope between audacity and controversy. Whether her actions are clever or misguided ultimately depends on how you view them.

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Regardless, her stunt has sparked polarising opinions and widespread attention. It brings us to an essential question: in the quest to go viral on social media, are people willing to go too far?

Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.

Credits: Sannati Mitra Instagram