The fifth edition of the Joy Awards, held on January 18th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was a glittering celebration of global entertainment, with stars like Anthony Hopkins, Matthew McConaughey, Guy Richie, and Morgan Freeman gracing the event. But amidst the glamour, one moment stood out—not for its charm but for its tone-deaf execution.

Egyptian actor Ramez Galal took the stage pretending to be an Indian singer, complete with traditional Indian attire, a thick accent, and a performance of a Bollywood-style song. The stunt was quickly revealed to be one of Galal’s signature pranks, which he’s built his brand on. While many in the audience chuckled at the act, labeling it harmless entertainment, the implications were far from funny.

Why This “Prank” Was Problematic

Let’s break it down: Galal’s act involved donning an exaggerated costume and altering his skin tone to embody an Indian character. This isn’t just a playful impersonation—it’s dipping into a harmful history of cultural appropriation and stereotyping, especially in a setting where several Indian actors and international icons were present.

For context, cultural appropriation involves taking elements from another culture—often one that has faced historical marginalization—without understanding or respecting its significance. Galal’s prank reduced Indian culture to a punchline, turning its rich traditions into a costume for cheap laughs.

Representation Matters

The Joy Awards aim to celebrate creativity and talent across cultures, providing a global platform for artists. However, stunts like this overshadow the event’s mission by perpetuating stereotypes instead of fostering inclusivity.

It’s even more jarring when you consider that the event hosted international stars, including Bollywood actors, who were likely uncomfortable witnessing such a reductive portrayal of their culture. What message does this send about respect and representation on one of the region’s largest entertainment stages?

What Needs to Change

The entertainment industry in the Middle East is growing rapidly, and with that comes a responsibility to ensure cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. Events like the Joy Awards have the potential to bridge cultures, not divide them. This requires being mindful of the messages sent through performances, jokes, and interactions on such a high-profile stage.

It’s worth noting that Galal has a history of pushing boundaries with his pranks, often sparking debates about the fine line between humor and harm. But in today’s increasingly global and connected world, jokes at the expense of another culture simply don’t fly.

Ramez Galal’s prank serves as a reminder: humor is powerful, but so is respect. As audiences, creators, and organizers, we have a collective duty to ensure that entertainment uplifts, rather than diminishes, the rich diversity of cultures represented.

What’s Your Take?
Do you think Galal’s prank crossed the line, or was it all just harmless fun? Tell us what you think!