Instagram Influencer Orry Jokingly Criticizes 18% GST on Caramel Popcorn

Instagram influencer and celebrity Orhan Awatramani, widely recognized as “Orry”, has humorously criticized Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s decision to impose an 18% goods and services tax (GST) on caramel popcorn.

Orry’s Social Media Reaction

Orry shared a playful video on Instagram on December 26, commenting, “It’s because I am sweet. 18 per cent GST.” The influencer’s video highlighted the difference between namkeen and non-namkeen popcorn, attributing the higher tax to his personality, “I am also 18 per cent GST,” he remarked.

Mocking the decision further, Orry humorously hinted that caramel popcorn poses a risk to “financial health”, his post amassing over 7 million views and 231,000 likes from followers.

Public Response to the Popcorn Tax

Orry’s followers found his satire on the GST decision amusing, rallying behind his humorous take. A user, Susmita Patra, jested about the finance minister wanting to trace Orry’s whereabouts, “Nirmala wants to know your location,” she joked.

Another user, Ritik Shah, chimed in on Orry’s playful reference to caramel popcorn as non-namkeen popcorn, while Riya pointed out, “Nirmala Tai got worry talk about taxes,” highlighting how Orry’s light-hearted jab drew attention from those outside financial circles.

The Popcorn Tax Decision

The GST Council’s meeting on December 21 confirmed that pre-packed and labelled ready-to-eat snacks are subjected to a 12% tax, while caramelised popcorn remains taxed at 18% GST. There have been no changes to the popcorn tax rate, though the GST Council has agreed for the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to issue a circular clarifying the existing popcorn taxation policy.