A game of charades has landed Thai actor Fourth Nattawat Jirochtikul in hot water, after his attempt to guess the words “Bollywood Hero” on a television show left several Indian viewers offended. It was meant to be a light-hearted guessing game and now has now turned into a cultural controversy, with the actor issuing an apology to Indian fans.
Fourth, who appeared on ‘A Thai Late-Night Show’ alongside fellow actor Gemini Norawit Titicharoenrak, addressed the backlash in a post on X on October 8, 2026. He said he had no intention of mocking any race and apologised to those who felt hurt by his actions.
What happened during the Bollywood charades game?
The controversy began during a segment on the show, hosted by Katanyu Sawangsri. Fourth was blindfolded and asked to guess the phrase “Bollywood Hero”, while Gemini had to guide him towards the answer without speaking the words aloud.
As Gemini used gestures to offer clues, Fourth responded with exaggerated head movements, outstretched arms and dramatic expressions. He also sang ‘Dhoom Machale’ while trying to work out the answer, but failed to guess the phrase correctly.
A clip of the exchange later circulated online, drawing criticism from Indian viewers. Some felt Fourth’s movements relied on stereotypes associated with Indian dance and culture.
Fourth says he never intended to mock any race
Responding to the criticism, Fourth said he had always supported equality and diversity. He explained that his actions were part of the game but acknowledged that his intentions did not erase the impact they may have had on others.
In his apology, the actor wrote, “I have always affirmed and supported equality and diversity, and I always will.”
He further stated, “I truly assure you that I had no intention and no thought of mocking any race whatsoever. I sincerely maintain that it was merely part of playing a game.”
However, Fourth also recognised that viewers could have interpreted his behaviour differently from how he intended it.
“I want to apologise from the bottom of my heart if any of my actions hurt the feelings of anyone, whoever they may be, and especially the Indian fans,” he added.
Calling the incident a learning experience, he said it would serve as “an important lesson” to improve his behaviour in the future.
Who is Fourth Nattawat Jirochtikul?
Born on October 18, 2004, Fourth is a Thai actor and singer. He entered the entertainment industry after winning the talent competition ‘Thailand School Star 2019’.
Fourth made his acting debut as Glakao in the 2021 series ‘F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers’, a Thai adaptation of the Japanese manga ‘Boys Over Flowers’. He later gained wider recognition for playing Gun in ‘My School President’ (2022) and Li Ming in ‘Moonlight Chicken’ (2023). His more recent credits include ‘Ticket to Heaven’ (2026), in which he plays Tanrak.
- Fourth Nattawat
