By RUBY ZAIDI
In an unexpected shift within the digital space, several top Bollywood celebrities have witnessed a noticeable drop in their Instagram follower counts, sparking curiosity and concern among both fans and industry insiders.
Social media users who closely follow the activities of their favorite stars may have observed this decline, which began to unfold by Thursday morning, and has now become a talking point across various online platforms.
Among the celebrities affected are some of the biggest names in the Hindi film industry—Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, Kartik Aaryan, Sara Ali Khan, and Janhvi Kapoor. Reports indicate that these stars collectively lost tens of thousands of followers between May 7 and 8, coinciding with certain political developments that may have triggered this digital backlash.
According to data gathered from social media analytics tools, Alia Bhatt, who currently boasts a follower base of around 8.62 crore (86.2 million), and Kartik Aaryan, with 4.5 crore (45 million) followers, saw a sharp drop of approximately one lakh (100,000) followers each.
Sara Ali Khan, who enjoys immense popularity among younger fans, lost nearly 60,000 followers, while Janhvi Kapoor’s count dipped by around 30,000. Veteran actor Ajay Devgn, whose follower base stands at 1.2 crore (12 million), also experienced a reduction, albeit more modest, losing close to 20,000 followers.
Industry insiders and digital experts are pointing to recent political and cultural developments as possible reasons behind this sudden decline.
A well-known digital media strategist, who requested anonymity, linked the situation to two closely occurring incidents that may have influenced public sentiment among a specific demographic, particularly within the South Asian diaspora based in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The strategist explained, “Just last week, there was a wave of concern after several prominent Pakistani artists’ social media accounts were reportedly blocked in India. This move was perceived by many as indicative of growing intolerance and rising cultural hostilities.
This sentiment was further intensified after the events related to Operation Sindoor, a campaign that generated polarized reactions online.”
Following Operation Sindoor, several Bollywood celebrities took public stances that some viewed as aligned with certain political ideologies.
This did not sit well with a segment of the diaspora abroad, especially those who viewed the operation as an aggressive or one-sided narrative. In response, many fans, particularly those living outside India, chose to unfollow these stars on social media as a form of silent protest.
Digital marketing expert Sania Tauseef weighed in on the development, affirming that such changes in online engagement are not merely numerical fluctuations but reflections of larger social and political undercurrents. “When there is a significant and sudden decline in followers, it usually signals a shift in public perception.
People are no longer just consuming content; they’re using social media platforms as tools for activism and expression,” she explained.
Tauseef added that this shift in sentiment does not go unnoticed by stakeholders in the entertainment and advertising industries. “Brands today are extremely conscious of the public image and perception of the celebrities they associate with. They want to collaborate with personalities who resonate with the values and beliefs of their target audience.
A dip in follower count, especially one driven by public dissatisfaction or disagreement, can influence endorsements and professional associations.”
This unfolding scenario reveals just how intertwined social media dynamics are with the broader sociopolitical landscape. As Bollywood stars continue to navigate their roles not just as entertainers but also as public figures with influence, even a virtual gesture like a drop in followers can carry deeper implications.
