Pune Influencer Atharva Sudame Faces Backlash Over Controversial Ganeshotsav Reel
Pune-based content creator Atharva Sudame, known for his engaging and often humorous reels, has found himself in the eye of a storm. The controversy erupted after a recent video he posted ahead of the Ganeshotsav festival drew heavy criticism and even threats from online users.
The backlash began when a Facebook page named Jaysing Mohan shared a post targeting Sudame. The post accused the influencer of spreading filth through his recent reel and warned that he would face consequences for it all his life. The page described him as an overrated artist who portrays Pune in a bad light. The post quickly gained traction, attracting numerous comments and shares, with the controversial reel becoming the focal point of the controversy.
The reel in question featured Sudame playing the role of a devotee preparing to buy an idol for Ganeshotsav. In the storyline, the idol-maker belongs to a Muslim family, raising doubts about whether the devotee would proceed with the purchase. Responding to the seller, Sudame’s character delivers a dialogue inspired by his father’s teachings, “We should be like sugar, which sweetens both kheer and sheer khurma. We should be like a brick, which builds both temples and mosques.” The reel, intended to convey harmony and inclusivity, instead drew flak from several quarters, with critics alleging that it was provocative and misleading.
Following the criticism, Sudame reportedly deleted the reel from his official social media accounts. However, copies of the clip continued to circulate widely, and many users claimed to have unfollowed him after the controversy. This is not the first time Sudame has faced such backlash. Earlier, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Vasant More had strongly criticized him, alleging that his content insulted Pune and its residents.
In response to the fresh outrage, Sudame uploaded a clarification video on his Instagram story. He apologized to his followers, insisting that he never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments. Sudame pointed out that he has created more cultural and festival-related reels than most Marathi content creators, highlighting his respect for traditions. He admitted that he had voluntarily deleted the controversial reel earlier in the day.
Interestingly, Sudame continues to enjoy political backing. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has previously collaborated with him for a podcast. Thackeray, who has publicly praised Sudame in his speeches, featured alongside him in a video discussing the Marathi language and Maharashtra’s cultural pride.
The controversy surrounding Sudame’s reel has sparked broader discussions about the responsibilities of content creators and the impact of social media on public sentiment. While some support Sudame’s efforts to promote harmony, others remain critical of the way the message was conveyed. The incident highlights the delicate balance influencers must maintain between creativity and sensitivity in their content.
