Does being an actress disqualify Subhashree Ganguly from being a Messi fan?: Husband on trolling

Subhashree Ganguly found herself at the centre of an unexpected storm after sharing photographs with football legend Lionel Messi during his recent visit to Kolkata. What began as a celebratory post from a high-profile meet-and-greet quickly turned into harsh online criticism, prompting a public defence from her husband, filmmaker and politician Raj Chakraborty. This episode raises broader questions about celebrity, entitlement to fandom, and how online outrage can shift blame onto individuals instead of organisers.

Why Subhashree Ganguly’s photo sparked backlash

The context: a chaotic Messi appearance in Kolkata

On December 13–14, 2025, Lionel Messi’s short appearance in Kolkata generated high expectations — and then frustration — among thousands of fans at Salt Lake Stadium. Reports of mismanagement, fans storming the field, and scenes of unrest dominated coverage, creating a volatile backdrop. In that charged atmosphere, images of celebrities meeting Messi at a private meet-and-greet were circulated widely, and some fans reacted angrily, feeling they had been denied the moment they paid for.

Why the reaction landed on Subhashree Ganguly

Subhashree Ganguly posted photos from a pre-event meet-and-greet where she posed with Messi and other international players. Some online users interpreted this as preferential access through connections, which ignited a wave of criticism and accusatory comments implying that celebrities’ privileges came at the expense of ordinary fans. While the anger was directed at organisers and event management, social media channels channelled it toward visible faces — including Subhashree.

Raj Chakraborty’s response: defending his wife

“Does being an actress disqualify her?”

Faced with sustained trolling, Raj Chakraborty publicly questioned why his wife was being singled out. He argued that attending a publicised event or meeting a global sports figure does not make someone undeserving of fandom or access. Chakraborty’s defence framed the trolling as unfair personal targeting that ignored structural failures in event management.

Police complaint and steps taken

Beyond words, Raj Chakraborty reportedly filed a police complaint after what he described as abusive and indiscriminate online targeting of Subhashree Ganguly. The move signals a pushback against online harassment and reflects growing awareness among public figures that trolling can cross into illegal or actionable territory. The complaint also highlights the thin line between public criticism and sustained personal attacks.

Separating valid criticism from harassment

Fans’ grievances had a real root — but wrong target

Many fans were understandably upset about event mismanagement. Complaints about ticketing, poor crowd control, and a truncated appearance by the star are documented and legitimate. However, conflating organisational failures with an individual’s presence at a private meet-and-greet misplaces accountability. Subhashree Ganguly did not organise the event; she participated in an invitation-only segment. The distinction is important when deciding whether criticism is reasonable or abusive.

When criticism becomes harmful

Online harassment often starts with a critique but can quickly escalate into abusive, threatening, or defamatory messaging. Repeated targeted attacks can cause real harm to mental health and reputation. It’s important to call out mismanagement where it occurred — with organisers and authorities — and to avoid dehumanising individuals who happen to be prominent. Raj Chakraborty’s complaint underscores how sustained trolling is increasingly being treated as more than mere speech.

What this episode says about celebrity and fandom

Celebrities can be both public figures and private fans

Subhashree Ganguly is an actress and a public figure, but that doesn’t strip her of the right to be a football fan. Watching and celebrating sports is a universal human activity; fame doesn’t logically revoke fandom. Expecting celebrities to forfeit such everyday pleasures misunderstands both public life and personal interests. The backlash reveals a deeper tendency to pit “ordinary” fans against public personalities in moments of scarcity or disappointment.

Accountability should follow the trail of responsibility

When things go wrong at large public events, the proper path is to pursue clarity from organisers, promoters, and authorities. Ticketing policies, crowd management, and communication failures are measurable and addressable. Redirecting that scrutiny toward individuals who attended a private hospitality session neither solves the root problems nor promotes fairness. Instead, it creates scapegoats and distracts from necessary institutional reforms.

Practical takeaways for readers and fans

How to respond responsibly online

If you’re upset by a public event, check the facts before reacting. Verify whether the person you are criticising organised or benefited unfairly from the event. If the grievance is institutional (poor crowd control, misleading ticketing), direct your energy at organisers, consumer forums, and local authorities. Avoid personal attacks — they rarely lead to constructive outcomes and can cause harm.

For public figures and their teams

Public personalities should anticipate heightened scrutiny, especially in charged moments. Transparent communication — such as clarifying how access was granted or issuing a short statement acknowledging fans’ disappointment — can reduce speculation. At the same time, there is a legitimate role for legal and platform-based remedies when trolling becomes abusive or threatening.

Final word: fandom has room for everyone

Subhashree Ganguly’s experience is a cautionary tale about how online outrage can redirect rightful anger at institutions toward individuals who are simply visible. Being an actress does not disqualify someone from admiring Lionel Messi or attending publicised events. The sensible path forward is to hold organisers accountable for logistics and to push back on harassment when it crosses the line into abuse.

This episode also offers a reminder: sports unite diverse people, and respectful disagreement is part of public life — but targeted harassment is not. Whether you’re a cast member, a fan in the stands, or a casual observer, fairness and fact-based critique will always serve the conversation better than finger-pointing and online vitriol.

Also Read: GOAT Meets GOAT: Sachin Tendulkar’s Pic With Messi Breaks Net! – Logic Matters