Bengaluru woman defends video of househelp's child eating on floor, sparks backlash

India Today

3 days ago

A Bengaluru-based nutritionist found herself at the centre of social media scrutiny after she shared a video on parenting, which sparked debate for its stark visual contrast between two children, one seated on a high chair, the other eating from the floor.Known for sharing health and parenting content online, Sonakshi Sharma uploaded the video in question on Instagram, discussing 'baby-led weaning' (BLW): A self-feeding approach for toddlers.advertisementIn her reel, she argued that the concept isn't foreign to India and has long existed in Indian households.
'Remember our mums being so busy with housework that they used to leave us with the food, and in that process we learnt to eat. BLW is just the same story wrapped in a seemingly exorbitant cover,' Sharma said in the caption of her video.The clip began with Sharma seated on a sofa as her baby ate from a high chair. But what caught everyone's eye - and criticism - was the following shot: her domestic worker's three-year-old son eating kheer and roti while sitting on the floor.The contrast between the two frames triggered a flood of backlash. Several social media users felt the video unintentionally reinforced class divides, even if Sharma's messaging focused on parenting techniques.advertisementWhile Sharma explained the intent was never to compare, several viewers found the visual cue difficult to ignore.Sharma later addressed the criticism in an edit to her original video. She clarified that the two clips were filmed on different days and that the child in question simply chose to sit on the floor.'I don't practise idiotic things like untouchability in 2025, for God's sake! We just valued this child's preference, that's it. I understand that those showing concern are good people, but this child doesn't really need your pity for such a trivial thing,' she wrote in the comments section.She further added, 'You're seeing a 'househelp's child' sitting on the floor, while I'm seeing just a child who chose to sit on the floor—the same way my daughter would sometimes choose to do the same floor where we regularly sit and eat.'Take a look at her post here:Watch the video here: Social media users were divided. Several defended Sharma's explanation, saying the outrage was misplaced. But others questioned the decision to film and share the clip in the first place.'Whatever your justification is, it still sends the wrong message. This comparison reel was unnecessary. It clearly showed a difference in privilege,' one user commented.advertisementAnother added, 'Try to ensure the kid sits on the couch or at least at a table. The contrast between the children is obvious, even if unintentional. People are going to judge based on what they see.'One person called the reel 'rage bait' and said, 'We don't live in your house. We only see what you post. So maybe think twice before sharing something that might trigger a debate unless that was the goal.'Still, there were voices who found the outrage unwarranted. 'Interesting how people missed the entire point of the reel and latched onto the floor-sitting bit. That says more about our society than the video,' a viewer wrote.Another added, 'Honestly, I get that your intent wasn't bad. But visually, the reel didn't convey that. The shots looked too contrasting, like scenes from old movies where the help sits on the floor while the master eats on a dining chair.'See the comments here:What began as a reel about Indian parenting styles ended up stirring a conversation about optics, privilege, and the delicate line content creators walk when they document personal lives online. And while Sonakshi Sharma stood by her video, the internet felt that intent isn't always enough when visuals speak louder than captions.- EndsTrending Reel