Model and actor Priya Bakshi has shared a disturbing late-night experience in Mumbai, alleging that an auto-rickshaw driver in Bandra took an unfamiliar route and refused to stop the vehicle despite repeated requests.
Priya, who made her film debut in JNU: Jahangir National University directed by Vinay Sharma, posted a video on social media describing the incident.
Video shows actress asking driver to stop
On February 14, Priya uploaded a video to Instagram in which she can be heard asking the driver to halt the auto. She said she did not recognise the road he had taken and pointed out that even Google Maps was not reflecting that route.
In the clip, the driver allegedly responds that the map may not always show the correct path and insists he is taking the right road.
Priya is heard saying, “Auto roko bhaiya, main police ko phone kar dungi. Mujhe aapke saath nahi jana hai,” repeatedly requesting that he stop the vehicle.
Actress alleges aggressive response
According to Priya, when she questioned the direction, the driver appeared irritated and reportedly asked whether she knew the route herself. She further claimed that after she insisted on stopping, he halted the auto abruptly and told her not to travel in the area if she was unfamiliar with it.
After stepping out of the vehicle, Priya expressed anger over the alleged remarks and said she felt disrespected. In the video, she states, “Hum North Indians ko trash ki tarah treat kiya ja raha hai. I am done with this.”
Message on inclusivity
In the caption accompanying her post, Priya reflected on the broader issue of regional bias. She wrote that being unfamiliar with a city does not make someone inferior and that asking questions should not be interpreted as disrespect.
“Belonging to a different region doesn’t make someone a strange entity,” she added, urging followers to promote inclusivity beyond regional stereotypes. She also clarified that the video was part of a brand collaboration.
The incident has sparked discussion online about passenger safety and sensitivity in metropolitan cities.
