"3000-Year-Old Problem": Why Trolls Call Influencer Khyati Shree a "Kamwali Bai" Instead of a Star

Five years ago, Khyati Shree traded her legal robes for a camera. Leaving behind a career as a corporate lawyer to become a full-time content creator, Khyati now dedicates her life to exploring new places, meeting people, and capturing the joy of everyday moments.

However, her journey as a woman from a non-privileged background has been anything but easy. Behind the vibrant videos lies a grim reality of abuse, disdain, and threats.

The "3000-Year-Old Problem"

Recently, Khyati posted a video on Instagram with a caption that struck a chord: "3000-year-old problem..."

While history is filled with ancient struggles, Khyati’s reference was pointedly specific. She was highlighting a deep-rooted societal bias: looking down on women’s labor, undervaluing manual work, and using legitimate professions as slurs.

In a conversation with The Mooknayak, Khyati revealed the specific nature of the trolling she faces. In the comments section of a recent reel, trolls labeled her a "Kamwali Bai" (dishwasher), and a "Kabadan" (ragpicker from the slums).

"I wouldn't have been as worried if they simply called me crazy or stupid," Khyati reflects. "But what concerns me is the mindset where a job that helps a woman survive and earn a living is viewed with such inferiority that it is used as an insult. How is that right?"

Policing Women’s Bodies

Beyond classist slurs, Khyati faces severe policing of her appearance. She shared that posting content in a bikini often invites a barrage of hate, ranging from rape threats to users tagging the government demanding "action" against her.

"People demand action against me for wearing a bikini. Why not take action against those who are offended by it?" Khyati asks. "Why do such thoughts even cross their minds? They want to decide what I should wear and what I shouldn't. They have a problem with our very appearance."

Authenticity vs. Elitism

In an era of high-production influencers, Khyati stands out for her raw authenticity. She admits to shooting videos without heavy makeup, luxury outfits, or professional equipment. She often sources her wardrobe from local street markets, creating content on a shoestring budget.

Yet, this lack of "polish" seems to unsettle a section of the audience.

"I buy low-budget clothes from street markets and make do. Despite this, I get immense support and love," she says. "But there are some who cannot digest this."

Khyati believes the hate stems from a discomfort with seeing a non-elite woman succeed.

"People are uncomfortable. They can't fathom how a girl who is dusky, less conventionally 'beautiful' by their standards, and from a non-privileged background can have such a massive fan following compared to elite artists," she told The Mooknayak. "If I were from an elite family, perhaps I wouldn't face these things as much."

A Growing Influence

Despite the vitriol, Khyati Shree’s influence is undeniable. She has amassed a following of 1.4 million on Instagram, including paid subscribers who support her premium content monthly. Her success serves as a testament that authenticity often resonates louder than luxury, even in the face of deep-seated societal prejudice.