Exclusive: I don't care if it's Madhuri or anyone, blasts Wendell on VIP racism
Mumbai: It feels unfair when a fellow person is treated superiorly. Everywhere we go, we are facing some sort of VIP racism. From cutting lines to being driven off on a private vehicle, equality doesn’t seem to work when someone’s name has a weight or fame attached to it.
That’s exactly how fashion designer Wendell Rodricks felt when he was flying with IndiGo from Mumbai to Goa. The journey wasn’t anything unexpected but what followed next surely was and left a bad memory for the fashion designer.
Upon landing in Mumbai, Wendell Rodricks and other passengers were made to wait for the bus to carry them from the aircraft to the gate. Meanwhile, an empty bus took off with five passengers on board, leaving behind other passengers standing under the scorching sun.
After quizzing people, Wendell learnt that the group who received VVIP treatment from IndiGo was Madhuri Dixit and her friends.
Surprisingly, this was the same group that earlier jumped the boarding line and was seen being escorted on a separate bus during departure. At that time, Wendell merely assumed that the group was flying off on a private jet and they were not his fellow co-passengers.
Speaking to DC on this matter, Wendell says, “It was really disappointing. Being a low cost airlines, you cannot treat people differently. I don’t care if she is Madhuri Dixit or who, if you are flying among normal people in a regular fair flight, don’t expect a VIP treatment. If you do want it, then fly in some big airlines or take private jet. So many people were jammed into one bus and then few of us even had to wait outside while one empty AC bus carried Madhuri and her friends. Old people and kids had to wait outside for the bus while she was given the VIP treatment. It’s unfair. I have spoken to the airlines and now they are looking into it.”
This VVIP racism didn’t go down well with Wendell, who later took to Twitter to slam Madhuri Dixit and the airlines.
@IndiGo6E Bom Goa yesterday having separate bus for #MadhuriDixit n we were left in hot sun on tarmac while 5 in empty Ac bus? Unfair
— Wendell Rodricks (@Wendellrodricks) April 9, 2016
His tweet fumed enough rage on Twitter that the airline’s official Twitter handle reached out to him, asking about his flight's details. In return, agitated Wendell asked the airlines to check their passengers’ list.
@IndiGo6E what is DM? We are not working in an airline to know these short forms.
— Wendell Rodricks (@Wendellrodricks) April 9, 2016
@IndiGo6E I was on Bom Goa 12.35 flight on 8th April. Check your records for flight number, etc. Ask staff to verify this occurred. Unfair
— Wendell Rodricks (@Wendellrodricks) April 9, 2016
@IndiGo6E thank you. This affects the brand value of your super efficient airline at the cost of this or any other VIP treatment demander
— Wendell Rodricks (@Wendellrodricks) April 9, 2016
Ever since the issue has come to light, people all around the country are expressing their discomfort. "Everyone is talking about the issue but I want Madhuri to speak up. I don't have any problem with VIP treatments. But this was not the right space is all and she should clear the air," Wendell concludes.