During the COVID-19 lockdown, Shaan’s Instagram live took an unexpected turn when he read out abusive comments and called out the trolls. A clip of the moment went viral, sparking a meme fest online.
Shaan on meme controversy during COVID-19: “It became my identity”
Nearly five years later, Shaan has finally addressed the incident in an interview with Mashable India. Reflecting on the moment, he said, “I was reading comments without my glasses on. I didn’t know that people abuse you in comments. While I was going through the comments, I read it as it is: #$%@#. But the catch was that someone screen-recorded my live and it became a huge meme. Eventually, it became my identity.”
Shaan said Gen Z today recognizes him more for the viral meme than for his singing career.
Shaan reflected on how the viral meme has shaped his public image among younger audiences. “Gen Z don’t know me as a singer but they remember me as the abuser uncle. When my sons’ friends meet them, they be like, ‘Arey, so he is your father?’ Then they confirm it by showing them the meme. COVID ne bahaut ajab gazab cheezein karwayi hai (COVID took us through weird experiences),” he said.
During his Instagram Live session, a visibly disappointed Shaan addressed the trolls directly, saying, “Stop saying $#@$%. What is all this? Who are these people? Can you please be respectful. It shows your upbringing. Please ask your teachers and parents about my identity. Haven’t I voiced enough popular songs to be known by you all?” He then read out a few more abusive comments and added, “I don’t want to be popular among these people.”
The clip surfaced on Reddit, with fans slamming the trolls. One user called the abuse cowardly, saying the same people would ask for selfies in person.
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