Fourth Nattawat Apologises to Indian Fans Over Bollywood Act
Thai actor Fourth Nattawat apologises to Indian fans after a controversial Bollywood Hero segment in a TV show sparked social media backlash.
Thai superstar Fourth Nattawat has issued a heartfelt apology to his Indian fanbase following a controversial television segment that sparked widespread social media outrage. The actor faced intense criticism after his portrayal of a "Bollywood Hero" during a game show was perceived as mocking Indian culture through exaggerated stereotypes.
The Controversial Segment
The incident occurred during the October 2 episode of the show The Celebrities, hosted by Yu Katanyu Swangsri. During the segment, Fourth Nattawat was blindfolded and tasked with guessing the phrase "Bollywood Hero" based on clues provided by his co-star, Gemini Norawit.
To guess the phrase, Fourth employed highly exaggerated head and neck movements, spread his arms wide, and utilized various comic body gestures. The performance also included him singing the popular Bollywood track "Dhoom Machale," a moment that was met with laughter and clapping from his co-star Gemini Norawit.
Social Media Backlash
While intended as lighthearted entertainment, the segment failed to resonate with many viewers in India. Critics on social media accused the actors of relying on tired stereotypes rather than respecting the nuances of Indian dance and cinema. Many fans expressed disappointment that the performance used comic movements to represent the iconic "Bollywood Hero" archetype.
Nattawat's Official Apology
Responding to the growing criticism, Fourth Nattawat took to the platform X to address his supporters and the Indian community directly. He emphasized that his actions were part of a game and lacked any malicious intent to mock any specific race or culture.
“I truly confirm that I had no intention whatsoever, and no thought at all, to mock any race in the slightest. I really confirm that it was just playing a game. However, I want to sincerely apologize from the bottom of my heart if there was any behavior that hurt anyone’s feelings, no matter who it may be. Especially to Indian fans, it will be an important lesson for self-improvement going forward.”
The actor's co-star, Gemini Norawit, who was seen laughing during the performance, also faced scrutiny and subsequently issued his own apology to the fans.