There is more to Deepika Ghose, the Internet sensation thousands of Indians saw on TV and then stalked in real life.
It's not every day that a commoner becomes a national sensation.
On May 4, 2019 during an IPL match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Indian audience was introduced to a new face who instantly became an Internet sensation.
Within minutes, netizens had traced the girl on social media and invaded her privacy.
While some trolled her for attracting unwanted attention, there were thousands who followed her on Instagram, turning her into a mini celebrity.
Today, she has over 3 lakh followers on Instagram.
More than a week later, Deepika Ghose, popularly known as 'The RCB girl' shared a post highlighting the highs and lows that came with her sudden fame:
'My name is Deepika Ghose and that is probably the only thing that is being said about me which is 100% TRUE,' Deepika wrote in a long post on her Instagram.
'I am no celebrity, just an ordinary girl who was enjoying the match. I did nothing to warrant the kind of attention that ensued after the TV images appeared and I certainly did not seek it.'
'I have much to be proud of -- I am a kind, artistic and hardworking woman. I am well educated, well-travelled and well loved by my friends and family. I have many talents and have excelled at my work as a stylist and as a dancer/teacher/entrepreneur. I do NOT consider being seen on TV at an IPL match an achievement. Many people ask me how my life has changed. It has NOT! The only thing that has changed is the number of my Instagram followers. I am as much in shock as all of you.'
'While I am grateful for the love, I am disturbed by the unnecessary negativity. It has been an extreme case of abuse, trauma and mental torture. I am confused as to how people found my name/profile. My identity, privacy and life have been hacked in an instant. A lot of the overnight followers are men who have used this platform to be crude, vulgar, vicious and entirely disrespectful.'
'Even more shocking is the hate I have received from women. How quick and cruel you have been to say mean things to and about me without even knowing me. I AM ONE OF YOU!'
'The world desperately needs more women supporting and uplifting each other. I am appalled by how I have been judged and condemned instead of being given a compassionate hearing. Stop and think about how it is as a girl to have been subjected to this unwanted attention.'
'So many people have asked me why they should follow me -- and you are right to question this. Now that this has happened, I am going to turn this into something genuine, meaningful and fabulous. Yes, I am #theRCBgirl but I am SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT,' she concluded.
In case you are still curious, presenting just some of the things you should know about Deepika Ghose.
