Filmmaker Atlee, currently promoting his upcoming Bollywood film Baby John starring Varun Dhawan, appeared on The Great Indian Kapil Show this Saturday. During the episode, a comment by host Kapil Sharma about Atlee’s appearance sparked controversy online, with many accusing the comedian of being disrespectful. However, Atlee’s composed and meaningful reply won the audience’s hearts and went viral on social media.
In the episode, Kapil asked Atlee if he had ever met a star who failed to recognize him, hinting at his looks. Atlee, initially caught off guard, responded graciously, saying, “Sir, I understand your question. I am thankful to AR Murugadoss sir for producing my first film. He didn’t judge me based on how I look but valued my narration and talent.” He further emphasized, “The world should not judge by appearance but by the heart.” His response was met with thunderous applause from the audience.
Kapil Sharma subtly insults Atlee's looks?
Atlee responds like a boss: Don't judge by appearance, judge by the heart.#Atlee #KapilSharma pic.twitter.com/oSzU0pRDS4
— Surajit (@surajit_ghosh2) December 15, 2024
Netizens were quick to criticize Kapil Sharma for his comment. One user wrote, “Kapil’s humor often takes personal potshots at people. It’s not funny.” Another added, “Even if his intention wasn’t bad, he should have framed the question better. Kapil has a history of body-shaming humor.”
Kapil Sharma subtly insults Atlee's looks?
Atlee responds like a boss: Don't judge by appearance, judge by the heart.#Atlee #KapilSharma pic.twitter.com/oSzU0pRDS4
— Surajit (@surajit_ghosh2) December 15, 2024
I watched this episode this afternoon. I was thinking the same. Maybe be his intention was not that but then he should have framed the question in much much better way.
But all in all he is a champion of body shaming so not surprising at all.
— Siddharth Chhaya – સિદ્ધાર્થ છાયા 🇮🇳 (@siddtalks) December 15, 2024
Kapil Sharma’s main sense of humor is body shaming. No one seems to object to it and he keeps earning money
— Redditbollywood (@redditbollywood) December 15, 2024
Atlee handled it beautifully by answering straight to a question asked indirectly.
— Rajat Agarwala (@RjtAg222) December 15, 2024
Atlee, who made his Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan in 2023—a box office juggernaut that grossed over ₹1,000 crore—continues to make waves in the Hindi film industry. His upcoming release, Baby John, an adaptation of his Tamil hit Theri, is set to premiere on December 25. The film features Varun Dhawan in the lead, alongside Wamiqa Gabbi, Keerthy Suresh, and Jackie Shroff.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/qyRn3rPRw8w?autoplay=1
While Kapil’s remark drew criticism, Atlee’s dignified response has been widely celebrated, further enhancing his reputation as a talented and humble filmmaker.
