Podcast row escalates as actor denies allegations, host alleges online harassment
February 11, 2026: A controversy erupted after brand manager Kaveri Baruah claimed on the podcast Sweekriti Talks that Allu Arjun’s team had shared a list of 42 dos and don’ts before her interaction with the actor. The claims quickly went viral, prompting the Pushpa star’s team to issue a strong clarification, calling the allegations “completely baseless” and “untrue”. In an official statement, the team asserted that Allu Arjun has always conducted himself with dignity and announced that defamation proceedings have been initiated against those responsible for spreading the claims.
Following the backlash, podcast host Sweekriti Bharti said she removed the viral video after her guest allegedly faced coordinated harassment from PR machinery and bot accounts. In a series of Instagram posts, Bharti lashed out at the actor and his team, calling them “sheer losers” and “power hungry”. She claimed she was being targeted online and stressed that her decision to delete the episode was to protect her guest’s professional standing. Baruah has since deactivated her social media accounts amid the controversy.
In the now-deleted episode, Baruah had alleged that South stars often travel with large entourages and that she was given strict instructions before meeting Allu Arjun, including not making eye contact or initiating a handshake. The video triggered widespread debate online, dividing fans and critics. While the actor’s team has firmly denied the accusations and sought legal recourse, the episode has once again highlighted the volatile nature of celebrity controversies in the age of social media.