On Camera: Virat Kohli Fan Cuts Wrist to Blood-Tilak His Poster

An obsessive Virat Kohli fan has evoked disgust and disbelief on social media after seemingly cutting his own wrist to apply blood-Tilak to a poster of his icon—on camera.

A video of the self-inflicted harm shows an unidentified man making an incision on his left forearm, then smearing a dab of blood onto Kohli’s forehead on a flex banner hung behind a tempo.

The extreme act was a tribute to Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning their maiden title after 17 years and 18 seasons since establishment.

After the symbolic blood-Tilak tribute, the fan is seen falling to his knees, before taking off the RCB jersey he was wearing and pumping his fists in celebration.

His iconolatry was met with concern, criticism and cynicism.

A commenter wrote on X: “Untreated mental illness leads to this level of obsession with celebrities who couldn't care less about you. Even Kohli would be ashamed to have someone like him as his fan.

A second advised: "Brother, Virat earns a lot and will live in London. Are you just going to keep doing this? He couldn’t care less—even if you died. So focus on getting your own life together and stop this nonsense."

Another user said: “This is too much! People on social media will do anything to become famous. If a little carelessness leads to losing a life, neither Virat Kohli nor the RCB team will care. There’s no shortage of blind followers in our country.”

Some pathologised the behaviour as a coping mechanism for one’s own mediocrity.

It follows the tragic death of 11 in a stampede that occurred during RCB’s celebrations at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, a day after the IPL 2025 final.

Bengaluru Police had denied permission for a gathering at such short notice, but RCB and the Karnataka State Cricket Association allegedly pressed on despite logistical unpreparedness.