‘Not acceptable’

A fashion designer’s gesture on his showstopper Ananya Panday’s waist goes viral; leaves netizens divided 

Actress Ananya Panday turned showstopper  for designer Gaurav Gupta as he unveiled his latest couture collection, Light Song, at India Couture Week 2026 in Mumbai on July 17. Held in Mumbai, the showcase marked a new creative chapter for the celebrated couturier, with Ananya closing the show in a striking bridal ensemble.

However, it wasn’t just Ananya’s couture look that caught everyone’s attention. A video from the runway finale has gone viral on social media, showing Gaurav making a gesture by briefly tapping or pinching Ananya’s waist as they posed together. The actress smiled and laughed before stepping aside and applauding the designer as the audience cheered. The brief interaction has since become a talking point online, with netizens sharing mixed reactions to the viral clip.

The viral clip has sparked mixed reactions online. While many users described the interaction as playful and friendly, others questioned the gesture and debated it in the comments section. Several fans also pointed out that both Ananya and Gaurav appeared to be laughing, suggesting they shared a comfortable rapport during the finale.

Despite the social media chatter, neither Ananya nor Gaurav has reacted to the viral clip.