Bollywood has a special appeal for Indian children growing up outside of India as it offers a glimpse into Indian traditions and rituals with a touch of glamour. Varsha Phulwani, who grew up on Bollywood movies and celebrity interviews, now manages social media for a brand in Dubai, but her love for the industry led her to create her own content focused on Bollywood. Her Instagram handle @varzilla features catchy and sharp takes on Bollywood news that have garnered millions of views.
Varsha’s content stands out for its incisiveness and authenticity. She is unafraid to call out faults in aesthetics and is careful to only discuss public appearances and statements made by celebrities to maintain respect while being unfiltered. Her content also addresses issues like plastic surgery prevalent in Bollywood, aiming to break the illusion of flawless beauty perpetuated by the industry.
While Varsha’s authenticity resonates with many, she also faces personal attacks and criticism from fans of stars she critiques. Despite facing negative comments about her appearance and opinions, Varsha focuses on the positive aspects of her social media presence, including interactions with notable figures like director Karan Johar, which serve as reminders of the impact her content can have on others.
Varsha believes that remaining genuine in her expressions is what sets her content apart on social media. She takes a friend-like approach to offering opinions on Bollywood films and events, focusing on globally topical subjects to increase engagement. With changing dynamics in stardom and evolving norms in the film industry, Varsha acknowledges the shifts in star power and audience expectations, highlighting the continued allure of Bollywood as a magical escape from reality for many.
Despite the declining quality of content in Bollywood, Varsha’s love for the industry remains strong, offering her a space for escapism and admiration for the world of movies and celebrities. While she hopes for better quality films, Varsha continues to find solace and entertainment in the captivating narratives and personalities that Bollywood has to offer.
