In a humorous yet pointed jab, renowned comedian Vir Das has called out social media users for sharing stock photos of Indian tourist spots in a bid to boost domestic tourism. Das’s satire took the form of an Instagram post featuring a polar bear seemingly spotted in Lonavala, a hill station not typically associated with Arctic wildlife.
Despite the prevailing cold wave in various parts of the country, Das’s post sarcastically highlighted the absurdity of sharing misleading images, urging people to refrain from using stock photos to promote domestic tourism. The accompanying caption humorously stated, “Pls stop using stock photos to support domestic tourism. Also…Lonavala was super chilling this morning. Took this at 6 am. So peaceful. Do visit,” adding a touch of irony to the widespread social media trend.
This satirical commentary comes in the midst of a surge in social media campaigns encouraging domestic tourism, sparked by a controversy involving Maldives ministers making derogatory remarks against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The subsequent #BoycottMaldives trend prompted celebrities and influencers to redirect attention to alternative destinations like Lakshadweep.
The diplomatic tensions arose when certain Maldivian ministers made insulting remarks directed at India and PM Modi in response to his posts from Lakshadweep, where he was seen snorkeling and enjoying the pristine beaches. The fallout led to a global call for boycotting Maldives as a tourist destination, with many Indians opting to cancel their planned trips.
Vir Das, known for his sharp wit and comedic prowess, won an International Emmy last year for his Netflix special “Vir Das: Landing,” a show exploring the concept of global identity and the search for a home. His stand-up special “Vir Das: For India” was also nominated for an International Emmy in the best comedy category in 2021.
Before his Emmy win, Das stirred controversy with his viral “I come from two Indias” monologue in the US, sparking a heated debate on social media and even prompting a police complaint in 2021. The comedian continues to use his platform to blend humor with social commentary, offering a unique perspective on current events.
For more updates stay tuned to FELA News!
