
New Delhi, January 20, 2026: A massive wave of speculation has been ignited across social media platforms following the Joy Awards 2026 held in Riyadh. The event, which was attended by global icons, featured a moment involving Turkish superstar Hande Erçel and Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan. A viral video was circulated showing Erçel capturing footage of the Indian superstar on her phone as he moved through the venue. This interaction was immediately picked up by fan pages, leading to an intense discussion regarding the dynamic between the two international celebrities.
The digital conversation took a sharp turn when claims were made that Hande Erçel had reacted to the viral footage by asking, “Who is this uncle?” It is reported that several gossip portals attributed this dismissive remark to the actress, suggesting a lack of recognition for the global stature of Shah Rukh Khan. This supposed comment sparked a heated debate between fandoms, with many Indian fans expressing disappointment. However, it is argued by close observers and fact-checkers that no such statement was ever officially made by the actress on her public social media channels.
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The “uncle” remark is being viewed by many experts as a classic example of clickbait misinformation designed to generate engagement. It is observed that the original video simply shows Erçel behaving like a fan, admiring the presence of the Bollywood star. No audio or verified text exists to support the claim that she questioned his identity. In fact, it is believed that the Turkish actress has expressed admiration for Indian cinema in previous interviews, making the alleged “disrespectful” reaction highly unlikely and logically inconsistent with her public persona.
A polarized reaction was generated by the rumor before it could be properly debunked. It is noted that the speed at which the “Who is this uncle?” quote spread highlights the volatility of social media in the year 2026. While some users used the moment to troll the actors, others called for greater accountability from digital publishers. The incident serves as a reminder that split-second interactions between celebrities are often subjected to extreme misinterpretation or deliberate manipulation to fuel regional rivalries.
As the controversy begins to subside, the focus is being redirected toward the actual significance of the Joy Awards. It is believed that the event served as a bridge between various film industries, including Bollywood and the Turkish television world. The sight of Hande Erçel filming Shah Rukh Khan is now being reinterpreted as a moment of mutual respect rather than a slight. The legacy of this viral event remains a lesson in digital literacy, proving that unverified quotes should always be approached with a healthy degree of skepticism.