Gujarati actor Hitesh Thakkar recently made headlines for a viral video showing him eating khaman, a popular Gujarati dish, on the floor of Surat Airport. He was seen spreading newspaper on the floor and enjoying his meal with friends before boarding a flight to Bangkok.
The video sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some people criticized Thakkar for not maintaining proper decorum at the airport. They felt he should have respected the public space.
On the other hand, many users praised Thakkar for staying true to his roots. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Proud of this Indian uncle who upheld his traditional diet and eating style in the airport gate before boarding flight to Bangkok. Be proud of your roots.”
However, not everyone was supportive. Viraj Sheth, another user on X, criticized Thakkar’s behavior, saying, “Gujaratis need to learn social etiquette and cues. Get out of your comfort zone and stop shoving terrible manners under the garb of being rooted.” Sheth suggested that people should be open to different cultures, cuisines, and traditions when traveling abroad.
The debate highlights the tension between cultural pride and adapting to new environments. While some see Thakkar’s actions as a celebration of his heritage, others view it as inappropriate for a public setting like an airport.