• By Abhirupa Kundu
  • Mon, 19 Feb 2024 12:43 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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A woman's video of dancing at a college fest was posted on the social media platform 'X' by a user calling the performance a "downfall for the generation " and also drew a comparison with a "kotha" (a vernacular term commonly used to refer brothels). The woman, a native of Mumbai has now sought the help of police to take down the video posted by the user named Prateek Aryan. The woman in the video, Shruti Parija, alleged that she made "endless" requests to the user to take down the video but he "refused".

"I'm glad there are actually people calling shit 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 posted on 'X'.

Responding to her, Aryaan retorted that the video was not her intellectual property and she did not own the rights to it.

"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 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," Aryaan wrote.

The controversy started when Aryaan posted the video with the caption: "The Indian schools and colleges are well known for organising 'sanskritik karyakram' (cultural programmes) 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."

"And just because I haven’t been rude/angry or abusive does not mean I agree with you @Prateek_Aaryan or anyone else. You did call the stage I’m dancing on a "kotha" which implies you calling me a prostitute. But still, I have only politely requested you to take my video down," Parija posted requesting him to take down the video.

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Following this the woman tagged the Mumbai Police in one of her posts seeking their intervention. The Mumbai Police responding to the tweet wrote: "We have followed you. Please share your contact details in DM."

Parija informed later that her video in Aryaan's post had been disabled finally due to copyright claims.