Gujarati actor trolled for eating on floor at Surat Airport before boarding flight to Pattaya: ‘Lack of civic sense’

A video of a Gujarati actor at Surat Airport has sparked a debate over “civic sense”. Actor Hitesh Thakkar was spotted eating the popular Gujarati snack, khaman, with his friends at the airport.  What angered many on the Internet was that the group was sitting on the floor while eating.

One X user, in response to the video, “Proud of this Indian uncle who upheld his traditional diet and eating style at the airport gate before boarding a flight to Bangkok. Be proud of your roots.”

Another expressed, “Some people just never learn to behave in public.”

What did he say in the viral video?

The video was shared on X by a user named Ritik with the caption, “Due to people like them, the rest of the Indians get racially abused.”

“We don’t see the place when it comes to eating. This is Surat Airport, and my friends got delicious khaman. We are sitting on the floor and eating before boarding our flight to Pattaya, Thailand,” Thakkar said in Gujarati as he enjoys snack with his friends spread on a newspaper.

Viral Video: Social media reactions

Many slammed the actor for showing a lack of civic sense, pointing out that public spaces like airports are not meant for people to sit on the floor and eat.

“Due to these uncles, we face huge discrimination around the globe,” said one social media user. 

Another added, “Uncle, please understand. You may be doing this out of ignorance, but please stop this. There is something called public mannerisms, I know you wouldn’t have experienced something like this in the past. This defames all Indians abroad, although they have done nothing wrong.”

“Not sure, but how can people defend this? You are representing India when you travel outside. How can you behave like this?” commented a third. 

A fourth posted, “Lack of civic sense!”

“Since morning seen many go gaga over his style of so-called traditional eating, travelling bhi traditional karlete sa’ab!” suggested yet another social media user. 

An X user joked, “Apparently, he is sticking to his roots by doing this. Ironically, he is travelling to Bangkok.”

“This is stupidity! You need to behave when you are out. You can’t say this is how we do and will keep doing. There is nothing to be so proud about this. You won’t like it if guests come to your home and start acting like this. Respect the place where you are,” another joined.