Pravasthi Aaradhya, a young singer, posted a series of videos on Instagram accusing judges and production members of the Padutha Theeyaga Silver Jubilee show of harassment, prejudice, and body shaming.
Among those mentioned in her videos were acclaimed vocalist Sunitha Upadrashta, Oscar-winning music composer MM Keeravaani, and writer Chandrabose.
The 19-year-old's open remarks have triggered an online reaction, with many of her followers insulting and threatening her for speaking up.
In a video published on social media, Pravasthi, who previously won Star Maa's Super Singer in 2024, confessed she entered Padutha Theeyaga this year with the hope of increasing her visibility.
When comparing her present experience to previous performances on the show, which was hosted by the late SP Balasubrahmanyam, she noticed a significant change in the setting.
"Sunitha garu usually looked horrified when I appeared on stage. She also slandered me to Keeravaani garu regarding my abilities. When she stated that, my earpiece was hooked in, and she was unaware of it."
She further alleged that lyricist Chandrabose, who originally praised her work, eventually shifted his tone.
Regarding MM Keeravaani, she expressed disappointment with the statements made during the performance, which she thought were directed at her.
"He was very biased towards melodies and his compositions. When I got eliminated, he looked at me and commented on how he disliked singers performing at weddings. Everyone there knows I do that due to my financial situation. He also used the word ‘chakiri’ (colloquial word for job) when describing the singers who work for him, which felt off.”
In her video, Pravasthi discussed how these incidents have affected her mental health.
"They treated me as if I were useless and made comments about my physical looks. I didn't anticipate this from them, given that I've been in a lot of singing shows. The producers frequently urged me to wear sarees and tie them low, exposing my navel. Even the costume designer informed me directly that he couldn't outfit me better due of my figure. My self-esteem and confidence have dipped," she added.
She said that, despite being instructed not to make the video public, she opted to speak up because she no longer sees a future in the profession and wants to prevent similar situations for other aspiring singers.
Speaking to Big TV and ABN Telugu, Pravasthi said that Sunitha addressed her mother with the casual "nuvvu" rather than the respectful "meeru," which she found very insulting.
She also claimed that the show's eliminations were staged, with songs modified at the last minute to affect results.
Pravasthi reported a problematic occurrence in which her mother sought to remove her off the stage during an unpleasant time on the show but was stopped by presenter SP Charan (son of SP Balasubrahmanyam).
"He told her she couldn't leave until they allowed her to leave and tugged on her hand," she informed me.
Following the broadcast of her tapes, Pravasthi replied to claims that she was behaving out of resentment over her removal.
"Eliminate ayyanu and ivanni cheyyatledu. (I am not doing this because I was eliminated.) I have been eliminated from numerous reality programs, but I have never created a scene. Ippud enduk chesanu ante Anyayam ga chesaru kabatte nen antha matladenu. (I am just speaking out now because I was treated unfairly.)"
She also addressed the harassment she had gotten from Sunitha's fans on Instagram Stories.
"To all of the Sunitha garu fan accounts that are bullying and threatening me, first treat me like celebrities and gods." Valu kuda mee laga naa humans ee. (First, stop treating celebrities as gods. They are humans, just like me and you.
She added: "Do not dismiss my sentiments because you enjoy their voice or talent. Talent oka human heart veru. Naku aina experiencia, cheppanu. (Talent differs from the human heart. All I have done is share my story, so please quit harassing me."
Sunitha, MM Keeravaani, Chandrabose, SP Charan, and the show's production business, Gnapika Productions, have yet to reply publicly to the charges.
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