Influencer Dharna Durga has a message for those questioning her Maa Behen role
Influencer Dharna Durga said she is ignoring trolling over her casting in Maa Behen after a promotional clip went viral. The episode has renewed debate over how digital creators are viewed when they enter mainstream cinema.
Influencer and content creator Dharna Durga has responded to the criticism surrounding her casting in Netflix's Maa Behen, days after a viral paparazzi clip from the film's promotions sparked a fresh debate about content creators entering mainstream cinema.
Speaking to NDTV, Dharna made it clear that she is not paying attention to the online chatter. Dismissing the criticism, she said she is focused on enjoying a milestone moment in her career. “I am just ignoring them because whatever they want to say, let them say. I have already lived my dream. I am living it,” she said.
Referring to the trolling, Dharna added, “If you want to say something, go ahead. You will speak anyway; what else can you do sitting at home?”
Why did Dharna Durga's casting become a talking point?
The debate gained momentum after a video from a recent promotional event for Maa Behen went viral on social media. The clip showed Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri and Dharna posing together for photographers before paparazzi began calling for solo pictures of Madhuri and Triptii.
As the photo session continued, Dharna quietly stepped aside while the two actors remained in front of the cameras. The moment quickly became a talking point online, with many users questioning whether content creators face added scrutiny when they transition to films.
The discussion soon expanded beyond the viral clip, with some social media users debating whether creators are being cast for their talent or because of their online following.
What did director Suresh Triveni say?
During the film's promotions, director Suresh Triveni pushed back against the suggestion that creators are being cast primarily because of their social media reach.
“I think that's very unfair,” he said, arguing that the term “influencer” is largely a marketing label. Triveni pointed out that artists across fields influence audiences in different ways, regardless of whether they are digital creators or established film stars.
Were followers the reason behind Dharna's casting?
Triveni also rejected claims that Dharna was cast because of her follower count. The director praised her work as a performer and stressed that creators who build characters and entertain audiences online are already actors in their own right.
“I am not so insecure that I am looking at, ‘Oh, they have this many million followers, so I will cast them.’ In my film, I have Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri, and Ravi Kishan. I don't need those small tricks. She has been cast for the part. As simple as that,” he said.
Directed by Suresh Triveni, Maa Behen stars Madhuri Dixit, Ravi Kishan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Dharna Durga and Arunoday Singh. The film will premiere on Netflix on June 4.