Actor Nushrratt Bharuccha has opened up about the backlash she faced after a video she shared during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 victory celebrations went viral for the wrong reasons. The clip sparked controversy after social media users alleged that it featured “moaning” sound effects. Although the actress swiftly removed the video, the incident continued to fuel online discussions and criticism. Looking back on the episode, Nushrratt admitted that the controversy left her feeling targeted and emotionally drained.Speaking to Hindustan Times about how the situation unfolded, the actor said she was stunned by the way a casual video transformed into a major controversy online.“Honestly, my reaction was disbelief. It was such an ordinary, happy moment. I was watching the match at a friend’s place, and there was a puppy crying in the background. I felt attacked to see that it turned into something ugly, and how fast it travelled. There’s a strange helplessness in seeing a lie move quicker than you can even process what’s happening. Before I could make sense of it, it had taken on a life of its own.” According to Nushrratt, what began as a celebratory post quickly spiralled into something she never anticipated.
The emotional impact of the backlash
The actress revealed that seeing people attach her name to something she insists never happened was particularly difficult. She described the experience as invasive and emotionally exhausting. For a few days after the controversy erupted, Nushrratt chose to distance herself from social media, admitting that repeatedly checking reactions online only intensified her anxiety.She said she eventually found comfort in focusing on the truth and relying on those who genuinely knew her rather than engaging with every accusation circulating on the internet.Nushrratt shared that her family and friends were deeply affected by the controversy and rallied around her during the difficult period. “My family’s first instinct was to protect me, while my friends, including the ones whose home and whose puppy this whole thing began with, were wonderful. They were genuinely upset that something so innocent had been twisted, and they kept reminding me that everyone who matters knew exactly what had happened.” The actress added that at one point, her loved ones seemed more disturbed by the situation than she was herself.
Nushrratt Bharuccha on choosing not to fight every battle online
Reflecting on the lessons she learned from the experience, Nushrratt explained why she avoided responding to every comment and allegation.“What helped was reminding myself that the truth was simple and on my side, and leaning on the people who actually know me. I also learnt that replying to every comment only gives it oxygen, and staying quiet and then making one clear statement felt far healthier than fighting a thousand little battles.”For the actor, maintaining perspective proved more effective than constantly defending herself online.
A message for trolls and internet users from Nushrratt Bharuccha
The controversy has made Nushrratt more aware of how quickly narratives can be manipulated online, especially when public figures are involved. However, she insists that the experience will not make her withdraw from social media or alter her personality.“As a woman and as someone in the public eye, you realise that almost anything can be pulled out of context and weaponised, even a puppy crying. But I don’t want the lesson to be ‘shrink yourself’ or ‘stop living your life out loud.’”She further added, “I refuse to let trolls decide how much of myself I get to show. If anything, my real takeaway is for the people watching: verify before you believe, and remember there’s a human being on the other side of the screen. The responsibility shouldn’t sit only with the target to be careful, it should be on all of us to be sensible and kinder. Harassment dressed up as an opinion is still harassment.”
What’s next for Nushrratt Bharuccha
Professionally, Nushrratt was last seen in ‘Ufff Yeh Siyapaa’. She will next feature in ‘Bun Tikki’, alongside Abhay Deol, Shabana Azmi and Zeenat Aman. While the controversy may have dominated headlines for days, the actress says the episode ultimately reinforced the importance of truth, support systems and not allowing online negativity to dictate one’s life.
