Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Thai Actors Apologise After Bollywood Hero Segment Sparks Backlash
A Thai TV show had a game where Fourth had to act out a “Bollywood Hero” clue while blindfolded.
He used big head and arm movements, and Gemini laughed during the game.
A short clip spread online.
Some Indian viewers said the performance made Indian culture and Bollywood seem like a joke.
Other viewers said it was a silly game and was not meant to hurt anyone.
Some fans also discussed how Indian culture is shown in entertainment.
Fourth and Gemini apologised and said they did not mean to disrespect anyone.
The show's team apologised too and said it would remove the segment.
On Katanyu Tonight, blindfolded Fourth Nattawat acted out a “Bollywood Hero” clue.
Viewers criticised his exaggerated head and arm movements as stereotyping Indian culture and Bollywood.
Gemini Norawit laughed and applauded; some viewers said his reaction added to their discomfort.
Fourth and Gemini apologised on X, saying they did not intend to mock or demean any culture or people.
The show's production team also apologised and said it would remove the segment.
- Who
- Thai actors Fourth Nattawat and Gemini Norawit, and the Katanyu Tonight production team.
- What
- A “Bollywood Hero” guessing-game performance drew criticism, followed by apologies from the actors and production team.
- When
- The episode aired on October 8; the articles do not specify the year consistently.
- Where
- On the Thai television show Katanyu Tonight; the clip later circulated on social media.
- Why
- Some viewers felt the gestures stereotyped or mocked Indian culture and Bollywood.
Critics
Defenders
How the performance portrayed Bollywood
Critics
Some Indian viewers said the exaggerated gestures caricatured Indian mannerisms and reinforced stereotypes about Indian culture and Bollywood.
Defenders
Other viewers described the moment as a light-hearted variety-show game without malicious intent; some also cited Fourth's appreciation for Indian culture.
Gemini's reaction
Critics
Some viewers said Gemini's laughter and applause contributed to their discomfort.
Defenders
Defenders viewed the laughter as part of the game and not proof of an intent to offend.
- Show
- Katanyu Tonight
- Game prompt
- “Bollywood Hero”
- Performance
- Fourth Nattawat acted out the clue while blindfolded, using exaggerated head and arm movements.
- Clip
- A 15-second clip circulated on social media.
- Song reference
- Fourth referenced “Dhoom Machale.”
- Actors' response
- Fourth and Gemini apologised and said they did not intend to mock or demean any race, culture, country, or people.
- Production team's response
- The team apologised, said it would be more thoughtful, and announced it would remove the segment.
Sources
Thai actors issue apology over ‘Bollywood Hero’ segment controversy
Thai stars Fourth Nattawat, Gemini Norawit apologise after Bollywood dance row
Indian fans take stand for Bollywood, make Thai actors apologise for stereotyping
