Actor and filmmaker Kunal Kapoor has sparked a major online controversy after remarks he made about vegetarianism during a conversation on Pooja Bhatt’s podcast. Kapoor, son of the late actor Shashi Kapoor and uncle to Ranbir Kapoor, stated during the discussion that he believes “vegetarians are racist,” a comment that quickly drew widespread criticism on social media.
When questioned by Pooja Bhatt about the statement, Kunal Kapoor doubled down, explaining that as a non-vegetarian he often feels excluded. He said that while he ensures both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options are available when hosting guests, he does not receive the same courtesy in vegetarian households. According to him, this imbalance felt unfair and exclusionary.
Clips and quotes from the podcast soon circulated online, triggering strong reactions, particularly on Reddit. Many users accused Kapoor of entitlement and misunderstanding the meaning of racism. One user remarked that visiting someone’s home requires respecting their beliefs rather than expecting special treatment, while another pointed out that racism is not the same as dietary exclusion.
The criticism escalated, with some commenters calling Kapoor “privileged,” “entitled,” and “out of touch,” while others mocked his use of the term “racist,” arguing it trivialised real discrimination. Several posts accused him of being dismissive toward cultural and religious food practices followed by many vegetarian families.
However, Kapoor also found some support online. A section of users suggested his remarks were taken out of context or made in a humorous tone. Others argued that his broader point — that non-vegetarians often accommodate vegetarian preferences, but not vice versa — reflects a reality many experience at social gatherings, even if his choice of words was flawed.
The controversy comes amid renewed scrutiny of food choices within the Kapoor family, following recent online debate around Ranbir Kapoor’s eating habits while preparing for his role as Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayana. Together, the incidents have reignited conversations around personal food choices, cultural sensitivity and public accountability.