Riteish Deshmukh's Dismissive Gesture Towards Young Fan Sparks Outrage

In an incident that has drawn widespread condemnation on social media, Indian actor Riteish Deshmukh was seen pushing away a young fan attempting to take a selfie at the premiere of Aamir Khan's film ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ on June 20, 2025. The premiere, held in Mumbai, was intended to celebrate the release of the much-anticipated film, which also features Deshmukh’s wife, Genelia D'Souza.

The moment was captured in a video that quickly went viral, showing Deshmukh guiding D'Souza through a crowd. As a young boy approached them with his phone, seeking a selfie, Deshmukh reportedly pushed the boy's hand down and continued walking without acknowledging him. The child's visible disappointment has resonated with many viewers who expressed their outrage online, stating that the actor's behavior was unexpected and disappointing.

Dr. Anjali Mehta, a sociologist at the University of Mumbai, commented on the incident, stating, "Public figures have a responsibility to model humility and kindness, especially towards fans who admire them. This incident reflects a broader issue of celebrity behavior and the expectation of accessibility."

The backlash against Deshmukh has been notable, with numerous social media users voicing their discontent. One user lamented, “For the first time, I didn’t like Riteish’s attitude,” while another stated, “Very wrong attitude. Sorry, unfollowing you now.” Many comments highlighted the importance of treating young fans with respect and kindness, especially in public settings.

Deshmukh, who has previously been praised for his affable demeanor, faced a wave of criticism that raises questions about celebrity accountability. According to Dr. Rahul Sharma, a media studies expert at the Indian Institute of Technology, "Celebrities must recognize the impact of their actions, especially in the age of social media where every moment can be broadcasted globally."

On the professional front, Riteish Deshmukh recently starred in ‘Housefull 5’ and has been vocal in his praise for ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’, calling it the ‘best film of the year’ and lauding the performances, especially those of the child actors involved. Deshmukh expressed admiration for both Khan and D'Souza, but this incident may overshadow his professional accolades, potentially affecting his public image.

As public discourse continues around the incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with fame. The expectation for celebrities to engage positively with their fans remains a pertinent topic in discussions about celebrity culture and public relations.

Looking ahead, it will be interesting to observe how Riteish Deshmukh addresses this situation, both in terms of public relations strategies and personal accountability. Social media's role in shaping public perception of celebrities cannot be underestimated, as seen in the immediate reactions following this incident. This event may prompt broader discussions about celebrity behavior and the responsibilities that accompany public adoration.