In an unpredictable turn of events, seasoned actor Girija Oak Godbole has become the internet’s latest obsession. Known for her impactful roles in films like Taare Zameen Par, Shor in the City, and Jawan, Girija has suddenly found herself tagged as India’s “National Crush” and compared to Hollywood star Sydney Sweeney.

The catalyst? A candid interview clip where a simple anecdote about a physics class captivated millions.

The “Babes vs. Waves” Viral Moment

The trend originated from Girija’s appearance on The Lallantop’s show, Ghar Jaisi Baatein. Dressed in an elegant blue saree, she recounted a hilarious memory from her junior college days.

She narrated how her Physics professor confused the entire class by asking, “What are babes?” The students sat in stunned silence until the professor clarified, “There are two types of babes: transverse and longitudinal.” The realization that he was mispronouncing “Waves” left the actress—and now the internet—in splits.

Her animated storytelling, combined with her simple yet stunning look in the blue saree, struck a chord. Clips of the interview flooded Instagram Reels and X (formerly Twitter), with users praising her expressive eyes and natural charm.

The “Indian Sydney Sweeney” Phenomenon

Within days, social media was abuzz with comparisons. Netizens dubbed her the “Indian Sydney Sweeney,” drawing parallels between her and the Euphoria star. Fan edits of her scenes from Shor in the City and old photos resurfaced, cementing her status as the new “National Crush.”

Girija’s Reaction: Speaking to the media about her sudden virality, Girija admitted she was “amused.”

“My phone started buzzing like crazy… friends were messaging me, ‘Do you know what’s happening on X?’ It’s a trend; it’ll come and go. If people discover my work now, that makes me happy.”

She also clarified that despite the internet hype, “I am not getting extra work offers because of this.”

The Dark Side of Viral Fame

However, the sudden spotlight has brought a disturbing underbelly to the surface. Girija opened up about the harassment she has faced since going viral.

• Creepy DMs: She revealed receiving vulgar messages, with some users asking for her “rate” for an hour. She called out the hypocrisy of online trolls who would never dare to speak like that in person.
• AI Deepfakes: More alarmingly, she expressed deep concern over AI-morphed obscene images of her circulating online. As a mother of a 12-year-old son, she highlighted the long-term danger of such digital violations, stating, “This will remain on the internet forever.”

What’s Next?

Moving past the viral noise, Girija is focused on her craft. She is set to star in the upcoming web series “Therapy Sherapy” alongside Gulshan Devaiah. The duo, who previously worked together in Shor in the City, are expected to bring a mature and complex dynamic to the screen, exploring themes of mental health and relationships.