Kusha Kapila claps back after viral mocking Cannes clip: ‘I’m a creator, not your random meme fodder'

India may not always dominate the official Cannes Film Festival line-up, but trust us — we know how to steal the spotlight. Whether it’s through bold fashion statements, red carpet drama, or the simple question of “Wait, why are they even here?”, we always get people talking.

Just ask Kusha Kapila, who recently found herself in a viral meme storm. The clip mockingly grouped her with YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia (aka BeerBiceps) and actor Urvashi Rautela, branding them “random celebrities” at Cannes with “no business being there.” The subtext? Influencers just show up for selfies, not cinema. But is that really the whole story?

The post—dripping with disdain—read: “Full support to Indian films at Cannes (Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound is up this year) but random celebs like BeerBiceps and Kusha Kapila being sponsored by companies to walk the red carpet, that gives me the ick.”

But Kusha isn’t one to take digital jabs lying down. She fired back in the comments, pointing out that the meme used an old photo from last year’s Cannes, dragging her into a 2025 debate with outdated ammo.

“I’ve already been called out, reflected, course corrected, and done my share of apologising,” she wrote. “I’ve never been in a space where I didn’t deserve to be.”

As for claims that she didn’t attend any screenings? False. Kusha clarified that she watched The Idol at last year’s festival, sat through two episodes (“It was a terrible show,” she confessed), and even posted a review. So yes—she walked the carpet and sat through the awkward art.

The broader debate—who belongs on the Cannes red carpet—also got a reality check. “Brands have always sponsored celebrities and actors to walk the red carpet,” she explained. “Title sponsors can invite their ambassadors. This isn’t a ‘trend’ started by creators or influencers.”

If L’Oréal can send its ambassadors, why is it different when they come from Bandra instead of Bollywood?

Kusha admitted she’s still carving her path as an actor (she’s appeared in Minus One, Dehati Ladke, Thank You for Coming, Sukhee, and more), but drew the line at being reduced to “random.” “Call me a creator,” she wrote. “That’s my identity. It’s a meme for you, but for me, it’s my life.”

Whether you roll your eyes at influencers at Cannes or cheer them on for breaking barriers, one thing’s for sure—India’s presence at the festival may still be sparse in terms of official selections, but on the cultural conversation front? We’re always front row.