Janhvi Kapoor slams selective edits of Dahi Handi viral clip: 'Bolo toh bhi video ko kaat ke meme'

Janhvi Kapoor has broken her silence after facing trolling for chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” during a Dahi Handi event in Mumbai. The actress attended a Janmashtami celebration in Ghatkopar last weekend, where she was invited to break the traditional matki. In the viral video, Janhvi is seen smashing the pot with a coconut and then raising the chant, which quickly caught the attention of netizens.

A section of social media users mocked her, claiming she confused the festival with Independence Day. Some called it a “goof-up,” while others criticised her for allegedly turning a religious event into a nationalistic slogan.

Responding to the criticism, Janhvi shared the full clip on Instagram Stories to give context. In the longer version, BJP MLA Ram Kadam can be heard prompting the crowd with “Bolo Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, after which Janhvi repeats it before breaking the matki.

Adding a note, the actress wrote, “Just for context full video lol. Unke bolne ke baad nahi bolti toh problem, aur bolo toh bhi video ko kaat ke meme material. Waise sirf Janmashtami ke din nahi, roz bolungi Bharat mata ki jaiiiii.”

Her clarification suggests she was caught between two narratives: if she had stayed silent after Kadam, it might have been seen as disrespect. But by repeating it, she became the subject of edited clips and jokes online.

Reactions remain divided. One user on X wrote, “Please don’t ruin Hindu festival celebrations. If you are here for promotions, kindly understand the festival and its importance.” Another joked on Instagram, “Rotated so hard between occasions and festivals this week that she forgot their names and reasons.” Janhvi, however, stood by her words, asserting that patriotism need not be confined to specific days.

On the work front, she is preparing for the release of Param Sundari, where she stars opposite Sidharth Malhotra. The film is set to release on August 29, and promotions are currently underway in Lucknow.