Filmmaker Siddharth Anand won widespread praise on social media after strongly reacting to a viral video that showed a woman mocking her former school friend for working as a delivery boy.
Calling the man a “true hero”, Anand’s response highlighted the dignity of labour and the importance of honest work, striking a chord with thousands of users online.
Video sparks outrage online
The video, shared on X by a user named Saffron Chargers, shows a woman recording her school-time friend on the road and laughing as she recalls how he once motivated classmates to study. She then mocks him for delivering food at the age of 30 and says she would forward the clip to their old friends.
Although the man smiles throughout the video, many viewers felt he appeared uncomfortable. The clip triggered sharp criticism, with users calling out the woman for shaming honest labour. It was later revealed that the video was scripted, though that did little to dampen the larger conversation it sparked.
“He’s a real hero,” says Anand
Reacting to the clip, Siddharth Anand wrote:
“He’s a hero! Whoever you are. You’re a real hero!! You’re working hard! You’re working honestly. Earning for yourself. Not being a burden on anyone. No work is less. Or more. True hero. You have my respect.”
His comment was widely shared, with users praising the filmmaker for speaking up on social dignity and class prejudice. Many said his words mattered more than the video itself, as they reinforced respect for everyday workers.
Conversation on dignity of labour
The incident reignited discussions around how delivery workers and daily-wage earners are often looked down upon despite playing a crucial role in urban life. Social media users stressed that mocking someone’s livelihood reflects entitlement, not success.
Work front update
On the professional front, Siddharth Anand is preparing for his next film King, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Arshad Warsi and Anil Kapoor. The film is slated for release in 2026.