Delhi-based creator and model Hema Gill was filming one of her signature terrace catwalk videos when a woman from the opposite building allegedly called her “kaali”. Instead of cutting the camera or reacting off-screen, Hema did something unexpected. She addressed it head-on. “Inhone abhi mujhe kali bola hai,” she said, pointing towards the building. And then she walked.
The Catwalk That Shut Down Trolls
Dressed in a white cutout bikini top and ripped denim shorts, Hema turned the terrace into a runway. The background track? Bipasha. The energy? Unbothered. The caption said it all: “You honestly think I care?”
The internet clearly did. Within a couple of days, the video clocked 37 million views, over 1 million likes and nearly 200,000 comments. What began as a racist remark became a viral moment of defiance.
Instead of shrinking, she amplified herself.
Celebrities Step In: “Gorgeous Ho Tum”
As the reel picked up pace, the comment section transformed into a cheering gallery.
Kusha Kapila wrote, “Can’t take my eyes off of you,” with a heart-eyed emoji.
Himanshi Khurana commented, “Google’s most expensive model in the world.”
Falaq Naaz added, “Gorgeous ho tum.”
Ishita Mangal simply said, “MY GOD, you’re gorgeous.”
Fans followed suit:
“Damn, girl, that confidence, that beauty.”
“You look more expensive and glamorous than the entire neighbourhood.”
“Kali who? The Goddess!!!”
“How guys are fixated on colour as if this diva gives a f*ck about anyone’s opinion!”
The narrative shifted. The focus wasn’t the insult. It was the walk.
The Reality Behind a 10-Second Reel
In another video, Hema showed the unseen side of content creation.
As she stepped onto her terrace fully dressed for a shoot, neighbours began staring. The discomfort was visible. The camera kept rolling.
She revealed how much effort goes into a 10–30 second reel. Makeup. Outfit. Timing. Confidence. And sometimes, unwanted attention.
Support poured in again.
“No fear can stop a model like you. Keep shining.”
“Just treat them as your audience and keep shooting.”
“You’re in India; log aise hi ghurenge, but tumhara showstopper dream pura karo.” Comments like this padded her bold move and pushed her to do more.
Hema Gill: From Casual Videos to Career Moves
Born on December 8, 2003, Hema Gill holds a Diploma in Fashion and a BA Hons degree. She began creating content in 2019, experimenting with relatable, real-life videos.
“It was never about perfection. I just wanted to talk about things people could actually relate to,” she once shared.
Like many creators, consistency was a struggle in the beginning. Life got busy. Priorities shifted. Social media paused.
But 2025 marked a turning point.
After completing her graduation in 2022, she made a decision. “If not now, then when?”
Since then, her page, @the_hemagill, has evolved into a blend of fashion, modelling, dance, and beauty. Each post is sharper than the last. Each walk is more confident.
More Than Just a Viral Moment
The “kaali” comment may have triggered the reel, but the virality revealed something deeper. Colourism remains a stubborn shadow in Indian society. Casual remarks, neighbour gossip and unsolicited opinions still shape everyday experiences for many young women.