Labelling it 'vulgar', 'tasteless', 'indecent' - social media users have been unleashing their judgment on the video that has gone viral featuring the 'Holi Girls' of Delhi Metro. If you have yet to see this video, let me introduce you to it. The scene unfolds in a Delhi Metro train, where two girls clad in pristine white are emulating a sequence from the film 'Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela' to the song 'Ang Laga De.' Their entangled embrace, set against the metro floor, has triggered a flurry of accusations of indecency by many.
The clip has left netizens in disbelief, questioning how these girls could openly shoot such videos in Delhi Metro. Amidst the uproar, some are even calling for legal action against these girls.
When the controversy peaked, the Delhi Metro released a
addressing the issue, conducting an investigation but noting that at first glance, it seems to be created using a deepfake technology.
Deepfake or Genuine?
At first glance, the metro passengers appear indifferent to the girls' act, which might suggest that the video was shot elsewhere. However, upon closer scrutiny, it's evident that not only are people observing the girls, but some also appear amused. A guy, standing in the backdrop, is even captured recording the girls with his mobile.
Source: aajtak
Two separate spots on the metro floor noticeable in front of the girls are illuminated. Seconds after the video begins, as a man in a checkered shirt passes by, his shadow momentarily obscures one of the lights, suggesting the light source is part of the original setting, confirming the video was recorded within the metro.
Creating this scene with 'chroma technology' would be challenging. During our investigation, we found a former user who shared a
photo
stating they saw the girls on their metro journey. Though the photo is from another angle, it clearly shows the same girls.
Source: aajtak
So Who Are These Holi Girls?
Upon searching Instagram for the song 'Ang Laga De Re', we discovered the viral video was uploaded on 21st March 2024 by the account 'preeti.morya.714' with a 'Happy Holi' caption. There, the
is of superior quality.
Source: aajtak
This Instagram account holds several dance and entertainment videos featuring the same girl from the metro video, often in the same white sari and black blouse.
Source: aajtak
A video shared by Preeti Morya included a tagged individual,
, who also posted the video on 21st March. Vineeta's profile picture exhibits a snapshot of two girls with the caption 'My Best Friend Preeti.'
Source: aajtak
Their profiles reveal identical features to the girls seen in the viral video, and it's clear that the profiles belong to the 'Holi Girls' from the metro. They can be spotted together in many videos on these accounts.
Searching further through Instagram revealed
Preeti's Facebook page
and
YouTube channel
, where similar videos are shared. In one video shared by Preeti, an individual named
Anwar Khan
is tagged. We contacted
, who acknowledged he recorded the viral video. He disclosed that he is a model and actor by profession, often collaborating with Preeti and others on video shoots.
We managed to reach Preeti and Vineeta via Anwar Khan. Preeti identified herself as Preeti Maurya from Noida and originally from Uttarakhand. She revealed, 'I shot the metro video about 6:30 to 7:00 pm on 21st March while on my way home to Noida and uploaded it immediately afterward.' She also clarified that the video was recorded between Netaji Subhash Place and Tis Hazari stations—collaborated by on-screen text in the video reading, 'The next station is Tis Hazari.'
Our conversation with Vineeta, the other girl in the video, further confirmed their mutual intent: originally clad in color-stained clothes from an earlier shoot, they decided to create another video while seated together on the metro. She expressed her surprise at the viral nature of the video and insisted they did not perceive their actions as wrong.
