Vir Das Backs Influencers at Cannes, Asks Bollywood to Drop the Elitist Attitude

Comedian and Emmy winner Vir Das has sparked an intense conversation online by standing up for influencers who walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival this year. Posting a detailed note on X, Vir took a clear stand against the criticism influencers have faced from several Bollywood film personalities. He admitted that even he was surprised to find himself defending them, but said it was important to speak up against the elitist attitude of the film industry.

“Respect the Hustle,” Says Vir Das

Vir Das shared that he usually works with new and lesser-known fashion designers, so he understands the value of attention from big red carpet moments. He said, “I get the appeal and eyeballs that a red carpet brings. I also respect the hustle that it takes to get yourself there. It’s not for me, but I can respect the underdog energy.”

According to him, events like Cannes can change careers, not only for influencers but also for the small designers they wear. That alone, he felt, deserved acknowledgement rather than mockery.

“Stop Going on Their Podcasts Then”

Vir didn’t hold back while calling out Bollywood’s double standards. In his post on X, he directly addressed film stars who disapprove of influencers appearing at Cannes. He said that if Bollywood people have a problem with influencers entering their space, they should stop appearing on influencer podcasts and doing social media collaborations to promote their movies.

Film people who are upset with influencers at Cannes need to stop going on their podcasts and doing collabs to promote movies then. The feeling you get seeing them walk down the carpet with you in your domain is the same feeling we get listening to your lame-ass story about how you gave up sugar in their domain.

Influencers Might Not Be “Perfect,” But They’re “Interesting”

Vir Das also took a witty dig at the fashion and looks argument. He admitted that influencers may not be as well-dressed or good-looking as Bollywood celebrities, but are more interesting.

This year, several Indian influencers made it to the Cannes red carpet. The list includes:

• Masoom Minawala
• Parul Gulati
• Sakshi Sindwani
• Anushka Sen
• Sarah Sarosh
• Nitibha Kaul

Their appearances created a buzz; while many celebrated it, others from the film world were critical.

Also read: Vir Das Debuts as an Author with Memoir ‘The Outsider’

Vir Das Joins the Debate on Influencers at Cannes and Why His Statement Matters!

The film industry in India has often been accused of gatekeeping and looking down upon new-age digital creators. Vir Das, known for his sharp observations, called this out without mincing words. He reminded everyone that the rise of influencers is a real shift, and instead of mocking them, it’s time the film fraternity either accepts them or stops using them when convenient.

Vir Das’s support is a rare voice of reason and fairness in an otherwise judgment-heavy conversation. His honest words bring attention to how challenging the influencer journey can be and question the selective respect Bollywood offers. As more creators climb international ladders, this debate will only get louder.