Dhruv Rathee Reacts To Backlash For Using Janhvi Kapoor’s Photos In A 'Fake Beauty' Video

Dhruv Rathee has issued a detailed clarification after facing backlash for using Janhvi Kapoor’s before-and-after photos in the thumbnail of a YouTube video titled on 'fake beauty’, with many social media users alleging the upload targeted Janhvi’s recent support post for Bangladeshi Hindus. The anger built up after a viral post claimed Rathee timed the video to attack Janhvi over that solidarity message. Comment threads soon linked the “fake beauty” thumbnail to her stance on Bangladeshi Hindus, prompting Rathee to release a separate clarification video addressing the growing controversy.

Dhruv Rathee Janhvi Kapoor thumbnail dispute and social media claims

In the clarification clip, Rathee began by reading the message that fuelled the outrage. The post stated, "Wake Up Hindus. Janhvi Kapoor posted for Bangladeshi Hindu & Dhruv Rathee made a video questioning her beauty." The line was shared widely, with many users assuming motive without checking context.

Rathee then challenged viewers over the lack of basic fact-checking before reacting online. He said, "Tumhe Bhagwan ne dimag diya hai, kyun nahi istemal karte iska? Matlab BJP ke IT cell wale jo post dalte rahenge, tum usse andhadhun yakeen karte rahoge. Pehli chiz toh jis din Janhvi Kapoor ne post daali, usi din maine aadhe ghante ka video dal diya. Kya yeh realistically possible hai? (God has given you a brain, why don't you use it? You'll blindly believe whatever the BJP's IT cell posts. Firstly, I posted a half-hour video the same day Janhvi Kapoor shared her post. Is that realistically possible?)"

Dhruv Rathee Janhvi Kapoor thumbnail debate and his defence

Rathee argued that targeting Janhvi over a post about Bangladeshi Hindus went against his own record. He said, "Dusra maine khud Bangladeshi Hindus ke upar reel banayi, toh main uss chiz ko lekar kyun criticise karunga? Main tum logo ki tarah nahi ho ke kisiko indirectly criticise karta. Main jo bolna hota hai mou pe bolta hoon. Naa main tumhare papa se darta aur naa hie main kisi Bollywood celebrity se darta (Secondly, I myself made a reel about Bangladeshi Hindus, so why would I criticise that? I'm not like you guys who criticise people indirectly. I say it on the face whatever I have to say. I'm not afraid of your father, and I'm not afraid of any Bollywood celebrity)." Rathee stressed that his disagreement, if any, would be expressed openly.

Moving to the content of the “fake beauty” upload, Rathee said viewers misunderstood its focus. He explained, "Aur teesri sabse interesting chiz yeh hai ke yeh pura video plastic surgery ke upar hai, ke uska kya impact padhta hai society pe. Iss poore video mein maine Janhvi Kapoor se koi sawaal nahi kiya (And the third most interesting thing is that this entire video focuses on plastic surgery and its impact on society. I didn't ask Janhvi Kapoor any questions throughout the video)." Rathee said the thumbnail did not reflect a personal attack within the video.

Rathee further noted that Janhvi appeared on the thumbnail because Janhvi is among the few Bollywood actors who have publicly acknowledged undergoing cosmetic procedures. According to Rathee, that admission made Janhvi a recognisable reference point for a discussion on plastic surgery and its social effects, not a target for her political or religious views.

Despite the strong reactions online, Janhvi has not made any public statement regarding the thumbnail, the “fake beauty” video, or Rathee’s clarification. The actor’s social media accounts remain focused on regular work-related updates, while the debate around intent and perception continues mainly among users.

The episode highlights how a thumbnail image, timing, and a short caption triggered assumptions linking Rathee’s content to Janhvi’s Bangladeshi Hindus post. Rathee’s latest video attempts to separate his commentary on plastic surgery from Janhvi’s advocacy, while discussion about motive and responsibility in digital debates remains active.