A viral airport video shows Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag joking that the team members are not film stars [1].
The interaction highlights the internal dynamics of the squad as they enter the IPL 2026 playoffs. The clip has gained significant attention among fans for the contrasting reactions between the veteran captain and the teenage player.
In the footage, Parag said “hum nahi hai film star” to downplay the celebrity status of the team [1]. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi responded to the comment with an awkward stare, a moment that has since delighted social media users [2].
The exchange has been viewed by some as a sign of Sooryavanshi's confidence as a young player in a high-pressure environment [1]. While the video focuses on a lighthearted moment, the Rajasthan Royals are currently navigating the playoffs after successfully qualifying for the knockout stage [2].
Coach Kumar Sangakkara has remained supportive of the team's internal leadership. Sangakkara said Parag's leadership was defended following various criticisms [1].
Outside of the team's social dynamics, Sooryavanshi has set ambitious goals for his performance on the field. The teenage player aims to score 200 runs [1] to break the T20 record currently held by Chris Gayle [1].
“"hum nahi hai film star"”
The viral nature of the clip underscores the immense celebrity culture surrounding the IPL, where personal interactions between players are scrutinized as much as their on-field performance. By framing the team's status against that of film stars, Parag attempted to ground the squad's image, while Sooryavanshi's reaction reflects a generational shift in confidence among young athletes entering the professional circuit.
