Exclusive! Afwaah actor Appurv Gupta: I have to be responsible enough not to spread rumours online

While the number of students passing out of 'WhatsApp University' and becoming knowledgeable with misleading information is only increasing, standup comic-turned- actor Appurv Gupta says he makes sure to use his popularity on social media to spread awareness. 

Appurv plays an important role in Sudhir Mishra's film Afwaah, the story of which is based on how misleading information is spread by the IT cells of a politician to create communal disharmony.

Asked about how he uses the power of social media as a celebrity, Appurv told OTTplay, "I am very responsible when it comes to sharing information on social media. If a fact is not cross-checked by an official source, I will not post it because I have to be responsible enough not to spread rumours and misleading information. One of the reasons I wanted to be a part of a film like Afwaah is because it holds up a mirror to society. The film addresses the issue of rumour mongering and how it can be life-threatening to a large section of our population. We are actors and filmmakers, and not policymakers who are running the country. So, we cannot run after every individual and say don't forward wrong messages. But through a film, we reinforce that idea in the minds of people."

Afwaah stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bhumi Pednekar, and Sumeet Vyas in lead roles, along with Appurv, who plays a social media content manager of a politician .

The film is currently running in theatres.