Thai actors issue apology over ‘Bollywood Hero’ segment controversy

Thai actors Fourth Nattawat and Gemini Norawit have apologised after a segment on the Thai late-night show Katanyu Tonight, which they admitted stereotyped Indian and Bollywood mannerisms, was widely criticized on social media.

The controversy broke out after an October 8 episode in which Fourth, blindfolded, was asked to act out the word “Bollywood Hero” for the other players to guess, but his exaggerated head movements and dramatic hand gestures were criticized after clips of the segment went viral on social media. Indian viewers accused the actors of ridiculing and disrespecting their culture.

In response to the controversy, Fourth said that the segment was meant to be a game and that he had no intention of mocking any race or community but apologized to those who felt offended and insulted, especially Indian fans, promising that it would be a valuable lesson for him.

Gemini also apologizes for making viewers uncomfortable, but he says he had no intention of humiliating any country, culture, or community.

The production team for Katanyu Tonight, which was led by KatanyuSawangsri, also apologized for any offense caused by the segment and said it was not their intention to insult or humiliate any race or culture, saying that they took the criticism to heart and that they would remove the segment from the show. This controversy has sparked debate and criticism on social media about cultural and racial stereotypes.

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The Hans India