19-year-old singer Pravasthi Aaradhya has stirred controversy by publicly accusing the Padutha Theeyaga Silver Jubilee Series judges and team of discrimination, harassment, and body-shaming. In a series of Instagram videos, she specifically named Sunitha Upadrashta, claiming the singer showed clear bias against her and even influenced other judges’ opinions.
Pravasthi said that although she previously won Star Maa’s Super Singer 2024, she joined Padutha Theeyaga for wider exposure. She contrasted her recent experience with earlier, more respectful interactions when SP Balasubrahmanyam was alive. She alleged Sunitha often looked at her with disapproval and made negative remarks to MM Keeravaani, unaware that Pravasthi could hear via her earpiece. Lyricist Chandrabose, she noted, initially praised her but allegedly changed his tone.
Pravasthi also claimed Keeravaani was partial towards melody-based songs and was dismissive of singers who perform at weddings—something she does for income. His use of the term “chakiri” (job) to describe such artists felt demeaning to her.
She further alleged pressure from the show’s production to wear sarees in a revealing manner, and said she was mocked about her body by crew, including the costume designer. She revealed the production was partially scripted, with songs switched last-minute to control eliminations.
She ended by urging fans of celebrities to stop idolizing them blindly and demanded respect for her experiences.
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