Actors Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri are facing criticism online after a viral video from the promotions of their upcoming Netflix film Maa Behen showed influencer-actor Dharna Durga seemingly being ignored by paparazzi during a media interaction.
The video, which surfaced on social media on Thursday, features Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri and Dharna Durga posing together during a promotional event for the film. In the clip, photographers are heard repeatedly calling out only Madhuri and Triptii’s names while asking them to pose for pictures.
As the cameras remained focused on the two actors, Dharna Durga appeared visibly uncomfortable and eventually stepped slightly aside while Madhuri and Triptii continued posing.
The moment quickly went viral online, triggering reactions from Dharna Durga’s followers and social media users, many of whom criticised the paparazzi for allegedly sidelining the influencer despite her being one of the lead faces of the film.
Several users also questioned why Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri did not intervene during the interaction. Comments accusing the event of creating an “awkward hierarchy” between film actors and digital creators began circulating across Instagram, X and Reddit.
One user commented that Dharna looked “hurt and uncomfortable,” while another wrote that the influencer was “treated like an outsider” despite promoting the same project.
The incident gained additional attention because Maa Behen marks Dharna Durga’s acting debut in mainstream Hindi entertainment. The influencer, known for her relatable comedy sketches and social media content, has built a large digital following over the past few years. According to reports, she has nearly two million followers on Instagram.
Netflix recently confirmed Dharna Durga as one of the three principal faces of Maa Behen alongside Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri. Promotional material released earlier this month introduced Madhuri as the “Maa” and Triptii and Dharna as her two daughters in the film.
Directed by Suresh Triveni, Maa Behen is described as a crime-comedy revolving around a dysfunctional mother-daughter trio whose lives spiral into chaos after a dead body mysteriously appears inside their kitchen.
The film also stars Ravi Kishan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Arunoday Singh and Shardul Bhardwaj in supporting roles. Netflix has announced that the project will premiere on June 4.
Following the viral video, discussions online shifted toward how influencers and digital creators are often treated during Bollywood media events compared to established film actors. Several users argued that despite Dharna being officially part of the film’s lead cast, the paparazzi largely ignored her presence during the interaction.
Some users defended Madhuri and Triptii, saying the actors themselves were not responsible for the photographers’ behaviour. Others argued the situation became uncomfortable because nobody attempted to include Dharna more actively during the photo session.
The clip has also reignited conversations around the changing relationship between Bollywood and digital creators. Over the past few years, influencers have increasingly entered mainstream films, OTT series and reality shows as production houses attempt to connect with younger audiences online.
Dharna Durga is among several social media creators who recently transitioned into acting projects backed by major streaming platforms and studios. Her inclusion in Maa Behen had already generated attention because of the unusual casting combination involving a veteran star like Madhuri Dixit, rising Bollywood actor Triptii Dimri and a digital creator making her acting debut.
Madhuri Dixit remains one of Bollywood’s most recognised actors with a career spanning over four decades. The actor has recently focused heavily on streaming projects, including The Fame Game and Maja Ma.
Triptii Dimri, meanwhile, has emerged as one of Bollywood’s fastest-rising actors after films such as Animal, Qala and Bulbbul. She is also set to appear in multiple upcoming theatrical and OTT projects this year.
Neither Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri nor Dharna Durga has publicly reacted to the viral video so far.
The paparazzi clip, however, continues circulating widely online, with users debating whether the moment reflected an industry bias toward established film stars over internet creators.