June 22, 2025: Beloved Bollywood duo Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza stirred controversy at the premiere of Genelia’s new film Sitaare Zameen Par, when Riteish was caught on camera gently pushing aside a boy attempting to take a selfie. The brief interaction quickly prompted online criticism.
At the screening, fans had gathered to catch a glimpse of the couple. A young fan approached with his phone outstretched, but Riteish — leading Genelia through the crowd — appeared to firmly, yet non-aggressively, decline the request. The boy’s disappointed expression drew swift commentary online.
While the pair were celebrated for their affection and charm at the event, with praising their “adorable chemistry”, reactions to the selfie refusal were mixed. Thousands of fans posted comments expressing their disappointment, with some saying they found the behaviour “incredibly rude” and one calling it “not expected from Riteish.” Another commented on the disappointment reflected in the boy’s face, while others referenced his recent flop Housefull 5, criticizing the contrast between the film’s performance and his perceived public attitude.
Despite the backlash, fans also defended the couple’s privacy. The incident ignited discussions about celebrity boundaries, public behavior, and whether polite refusal is acceptable in crowded events.