Comedian Mallika Dua took to Instagram to express her frustration over a recent video shared by Shivesh Bhatia, a self-taught baker. In her series of Instagram stories, she called out Bhatia for using one of her popular catchphrases without giving her credit. Bhatia, who often posts videos testing viral recipes, had used the phrase in one of his YouTube videos.
“If you’re a creator and you use my catchphrases in your videos. I expect you not to use them firstly. Second I expect to be (sic) credited in the video and the description and the credits. It’s non-negotiable. You cannot be so comfortable claiming jokes and mannerisms that aren’t yours. This isn’t as generic as a recipe,” wrote Dua on Instagram Stories on Thursday.
Dua also shared screenshots of her text exchange with Bhatia, showing their conversation.
In the conversation, Bhatia apologized for using her phrase. The screenshot shared by Dua shows him saying, “Oh I’m so sorry. Will genuinely keep this in mind and not repeat it. Didn’t think you’ll screenshot our conversation and put it on stories.” He further added, “I hope you know I realise you’re upset and I will be mindful. You also know l’ve been a big fan of your work for years now.”
The catchphrase in question was used by Bhatia in a video where he tested air fryer recipes. He said, “Skyaaauz me (excuse me), very kyat (cute)”—a signature phrase often associated with Dua.
The situation sparked mixed reactions online. On Reddit, some users criticized Dua’s reaction. One person commented, “How petty can one be?!! Has she trademarked the ‘catchphrases’? If not, then anybody can use it, no? And he even gave her the credit, still being rude for no reason.” Another user wrote, “Four story rant is crazy.” A third person weighed in, saying, “It’s the stupidest idea. So many people have made careers imitating people and copying them, he is not even doing that. How will he give credit in the middle? People will remember you and say it themselves and that’s your achievement that the words remind them of you. Asking credit for this is just like off.” Another user found the whole situation wild, stating, “This has got to be the wildest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Mallika Dua is an Indian comedian, actress, and writer known for her viral videos that humorously portray the lives of Delhi residents, especially in Sarojini Nagar. She later launched her own YouTube channel and collaborated with popular comedy platforms like AIB. She also made her acting debut through a web series.
Shivesh Bhatia, a self-taught 28-year-old baker from Delhi, is the author of four cookbooks. He is well-known for sharing videos on baking and dessert decoration tips.
