Kolkata Model’s Bold Dance In Towel At India Gate Leaves Internet Divided

A Kolkata-based model, Sannati Mitra, has stirred controversy with a video of her performing a towel dance in front of Delhi's iconic India Gate to mark International Men's Day.

The clip, shared on her Instagram account, shows her lip-syncing to a song from the Bollywood classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Mitra's act, inspired by a scene featuring Kajol dancing in a towel, has drawn heavy criticism online for being inappropriate in a public space.

Photo Credit: Instagram

The Viral Video

Dressed in a white towel and slippers, Mitra twirled and lip-synced to the song, attracting a crowd that included children. In the video, she briefly opens her towel, mimicking the iconic film sequence. However, the public setting of India Gate, a historical and cultural monument, has raised eyebrows and sparked backlash.

Sharing the video on Instagram, Mitra captioned it:

"Happy International Men's Day. May you all continue to inspire and motivate others with your courage, kindness, and empathy."

Within two hours, the post garnered over 200,000 views, with most comments slamming her actions as a "cheap tactic" to gain attention. Critics also called for legal action, deeming the dance "obscene" and disrespectful to the public setting.

Past Controversies

This is not Mitra's first brush with public outrage. During Durga Puja, she and her friend Hemoshree Bhadra, who claims to have won the Miss Kolkata 2016 title, were criticized for their outfits. Photos of Mitra in a black gown with a thigh-high slit, accompanied by Bhadra in an orange mini-dress with knee-length boots, and another friend in a cleavage-baring top, went viral. Social media users called their attire "indecent" and "vulgar" for a religious occasion.

Addressing the criticism in an earlier Instagram post, Mitra wrote:

"It was so rebellious. We never thought it was possible. Being a girl, we always knew our body is 'BAD,' but life is like that-it gives new examples and experiences ."

Divided Opinions

While some see Mitra's actions as a bold statement, the majority have condemned her for crossing the line of decency. Many argue that such performances disrespect cultural and public spaces, while others view it as an intentional ploy for social media clout.

As debates rage online, the incident highlights the ongoing conversation about personal expression, public decorum, and the boundaries of artistic freedom.