Towel dancing at India Gate: How far will we go to go viral? – India’s largest digital community for women

In a world ruled by algorithms, where every like, share and comment is seen as a golden ticket to significance, people are pushing boundaries like never before. The latest example? Instagram model from Kolkata, Sannati Mitrawhose daring dance wearing only a towel at the famous Gateway of India caused widespread outrage. While some called it daring creativity, most netizens criticized the act as disrespectful and attention-seeking. This incident raises an important question: How far can you go in pursuit of viral fame?

What’s happened?

On International Men’s DaySannati Mitra, an Instagram model and content creator, posted a video of herself dancing at the Gateway of India to the iconic Bollywood track. Just Hwabon Maine Jo Aaye from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. While the song itself is a classic celebration of dreams and love, Mithra’s choice of attire – a white towel – has become the subject 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 compassion.”

Video that has received more than 200,000 views in two hoursquickly became a lightning rod for criticism. India Gate, a war memorial built to honor the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the First World War, has enormous historical significance, making her move seem disrespectful to many.

Critics were quick to call her actions inappropriate, with some accusing her of doing the act purely for attention. Public outcry included comments such as: “Is this creativity or madness?” And “People will do anything for likes these days.” Others went further, calling for her arrest for public indecency and disrespect of a national monument.

Virality trap: fame at any cost?

The one seen in the video claims to be Miss Kolkata 2017 Sannati Mitra.

India Gate Delhi must have seen such a scene for the first time with a woman in a towel dancing there.

This is all happening for Instagram Reels. What’s the solution? pic.twitter.com/DGs55rwlV4

— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) November 20, 2024

Sannati’s stunt is not an isolated incident. Over the years, we’ve seen everything from dangerous stunts to outrageous stunts in the name of virality. Social media platforms thrive on engagement, rewarding sensationalism over content. This environment created “virus trap”— a space where creators push increasingly controversial boundaries to stand out.

For Sannati, a model trying to carve out a niche in the digital space, the towel dance may have been an attempt to gain attention in an oversaturated market. Viral fame often leads to increased followers, brand collaborations, and social media influence, but these activities come at the expense of public attention.

Freedom of expression versus responsibility

Honestly, creativity thrives on freedom. Social networks are a space whose boundaries are constantly being redefined. However, freedom of speech does not exempt from responsibility. Gateway of India is not just a tourist spot; This a war memorial with deep historical and emotional significance. By choosing such a place for a scandalous act, Sannati crossed the line that blurs creativity and disrespect.

Her actions raise questions about her intentions. Was this an artistic expression or a desperate attempt to exploit the cultural significance of a landmark for personal gain? While some argue that art should provoke and challenge social norms, such actions often obscure meaningful conversations and reduce monuments to mere background.

The role of social networks

Platforms like Instagram are designed to increase visibility, but they often encourage reckless behavior. The algorithm rewards sensationalism, and creators quickly learn that the more controversial the content, the more attention it gets. In Sannati’s case, the video’s virality is likely due to its shock value rather than its creative merits.

Should social media platforms intervene in such cases? Stricter rules for content created in culturally significant locations can ensure that creators respect public spaces and local sensibilities. Responsibility must be shared by both creators and the platforms that elevate them.

Where do we draw the line?

The broader question remains: Where should society draw the line between artistic freedom and public decency? Dancing in a towel may seem harmless to some, but context matters. When an action is performed in a place as important as India Gate, it ceases to be mere self-expression. It becomes a statement, intentional or not, about our collective values.

Sannati Mitra’s stunt will eventually fade from public memory, to be replaced by another viral sensation. However, the impact of such actions remains – on our collective psyche, on how we perceive creativity, and on the boundaries we set for self-expression. In the race to go viral, let’s not forget the importance of context, responsibility and respect.