The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, May 16: Popular content creator and actress Kusha Kapila has addressed the subtle jabs and social media shade targeting influencers attending Cannes Film Festival 2025, urging critics to avoid undermining their work and presence at international events.
This statement came after a wave of comments on social media and in certain media circles, where influencers walking the red carpet at Cannes were referred to as “random celebrities” or “social media personalities with no cinematic background.” The criticism intensified when several online users questioned why content creators were being featured at an event traditionally dominated by filmmakers and actors.
Taking to her Instagram Stories on Thursday, Kusha wrote, “Please don’t refer to me or any other creator as a random celebrity. Just because someone doesn’t fit your conventional idea of fame, doesn’t mean their work lacks value.”
She added, “I am proud of the community I come from. Digital creators put in consistent hard work, and many of us have built careers from scratch — without film backgrounds or major industry connections.”
Kusha, who has carved a niche for herself through comedy sketches, lifestyle content, and acting roles in OTT series, attended Cannes this year as part of a brand partnership. Alongside other influencers from India, she represented a growing trend of digital creators being invited to global platforms.
While many fans praised her look and applauded the growing representation of Indian content creators at Cannes, a section of social media users criticized the “influencer takeover,” accusing brands of diluting the essence of the film festival by prioritizing popularity over artistry.
In response to these ongoing debates, Kusha’s note highlights a larger issue of elitism within entertainment spaces. “The definition of a public figure is evolving. It’s time we stop gatekeeping events and spaces that should celebrate talent in all forms,” she wrote.
Kusha’s message resonated with fellow creators, many of whom echoed similar sentiments. Influencer and actor Dolly Singh shared Kusha’s story, writing, “Exactly this. Let’s stop invalidating creators because they didn’t enter through traditional doors.”
The conversation around influencers at Cannes continues to grow, and while some continue to question their place on the red carpet, others see it as a sign of changing times — where the digital world holds as much influence as the traditional silver screen.
As digital content creators continue to gain global visibility, voices like Kusha Kapila’s emphasize the importance of respect, recognition, and redefining celebrity in the age of social media.
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