Man's 'Kotha' Remark On Woman's Dancing Video Gets Police Attention

A woman identified as Shruti Parija has reached out to the Mumbai Police seeking assistance after a man, Prateek Aaryan, shared a video of her dance performance accompanied by a derogatory remark. The incident unfolded when Aaryan, in a post on X, made controversial comments about Parija's dance performance at a college fest, likening it to a 'kotha,' a term associated with brothels.

The Controversial Tweet

While posting Parija's dance video on X, Aaryan wrote, "Indian schools and colleges are well known for organizing "Sanskritik karyakram" and performances based on traditional and regional culture, but now it has become a 'kotha.' In the name of cultural events, shaking booty on item songs is all they call a cultural program. Along with the education system, the cultural system is in danger in India. What a downfall for this generation and colleges in India." 

Prateek Aaryan's post, which has since stirred widespread condemnation, not only brought attention to Parija's dance but also raised concerns about cultural events in educational institutions. Aaryan's remarks insinuated a decline in cultural values, criticizing the contemporary trend of performances at such events. His statement, "now it has become a 'kotha,'" sparked outrage among netizens and drew attention to the broader issue of cultural degradation within Indian colleges and schools.

However, the video cannot be played as the media in the post has now been disabled.

Parija's Clarification

Parija reacted  to the post on X and said that she isn't a student at that college. Rather, she attended the festival as a professional dancer./choreographer 

Pahija wrote, "I’m glad there are actually people calling s*** out. Again, to clarify, I’m not associated with that college. I’m a professional choreographer. My only polite request to @Prateek_Aaryan is to take down my video. I haven’t threatened or even outraged at him." 

She further added, "Just because I haven't been rude/angry or abusive doesn't mean I agree with you @Prateek_Aaryan or anyone else. You did call a stage I am dancing on a "kotha" which implies you calling me a prostitute. But still, I have only politely requested that you take my video down."

In one of her tweets, Parija mentioned that she has asked Aaryan to remove the video 10 times.

How did Aaryan defend his claims in the dance video?

Firstly, this video isn't your intellectual property; you don't own the rights, you're only a participant.

Secondly, under fair use for criticism, views, and opinions, I can use any content available in the public domain without claiming ownership.

Thirdly, if you had politely… https://t.co/3w5wBxnli8

— Prateekaaryan 𝕏 (@Prateek_Aaryan) February 16, 2024

Rather than taking down the video, Aaryan responded with a post that mentioned reasons why he wouldn't remove the video. "Firstly, this video isn't your intellectual property; you don't own the rights, you're only a participant. Secondly, under fair use for criticism, views, and opinions, I can use any content available in the public domain without claiming ownership," Aaryan wrote on X. 

He further added, "Thirdly, if you had politely requested earlier, I would have deleted my post. However, you and your friend used violent speech, threatened legal action, and mentioned putting me behind bars. Please proceed with your first option. As I clarified earlier, I didn't abuse or slut-shame you, and you acknowledged that (I've screenshots). So, if you're blaming and alleging me of abuse and violent slurs, do whatever you can. I am not deleting that post." 

Mumbai Police Steps In

Parija responded again, but this time she sought help from the Mumbai Police. She accused Aaryan of not paying any heed to her requests and blackmailing her instead. Tagging Mumbai Police, Parija wrote, "After endless requests made to @Prateek_Aaryan to take my video down from his post where he is comparing the stage I’m dancing on as a kotha, in turn defaming me and damaging my reputation, he has refused to do so and has blackmailed me instead.”.

Subsequently, Mumbai Police responded to the post and sought Parija's contact details. The post by the police read, "We have followed you. Please share your contact details in DM”

More than 14 hours ago, Parija posted that media on Aaryan's posts have been disabled, and she will keep informing about the legal recourses soon. 

The controversy has not gone unnoticed by the online community, with netizens expressing their outrage and support for Parija. Many criticized Aaryan's comments, labeling them as misogynistic and inappropriate.