The Telugu music reality show Padutha Theeyaga has found itself at the center of a social media storm following recent allegations made by singer Pravasthi. In a candid video that has since gone viral, Pravasthi alleged that she was unfairly eliminated from the competition and accused the judging panel of bias and body shaming. Her pointed remarks about judges M.M. Keeravani, playback singer Sunitha, and lyricist Chandrabose have sparked widespread debate among fans, musicians, and netizens alike. Pravasthi, known for her powerful voice and previous participation in multiple music contests, claimed that she had always faced unfair treatment on the show. One of the more serious allegations she made was that she was looked down upon by M.M. Keeravani after he learned she performed at weddings. She also stated that Sunitha repeatedly criticized her and did not support her during the show’s progression. These statements have been met with both backlash and support, creating a divide among followers of the show and the Telugu music community.
In response to the controversy, judge Sunitha took to social media to share her side of the story. In a composed but emotionally-laden post, she addressed the issue head-on. “Character isn’t built on rumors, and neither is reputation destroyed by them. We remain confident that the truth will prevail over speculation,” she wrote while sharing a video response. Sunitha elaborated on her long-standing association with Pravasthi, expressing her dismay over the accusations. She recalled knowing the young singer since her childhood and said she had always appreciated and encouraged her talent. According to Sunitha, hearing such accusations from someone she had nurtured with affection was deeply hurtful. She also emphasized that she had frequently praised Pravasthi and cheered for her growth, making the current situation all the more difficult to process.
Further clarifying the show’s dynamics, Sunitha highlighted that experienced contestants like Pravasthi are well aware of how music competitions operate. She questioned why the singer did not mention the specific operational and technical procedures involved in song selection and performance rights, which play a role in eliminations. According to Sunitha, transparency on these fronts is crucial if fairness is truly the concern. Sunitha didn’t stop at verbal clarifications. She provided examples of her support to Pravasthi, including a previous collaboration on an album and various professional opportunities she had extended to her. She questioned the validity of Pravasthi’s claims by asking why someone who allegedly faced consistent bias would agree to work on personal projects with her.
One particularly emotional revelation came when Sunitha shared that during the elimination episode, Pravasthi’s mother had directly pointed a finger at her and blamed her for the outcome. Sunitha stated that she endured the situation silently out of respect for the platform and maintained professionalism, despite the personal impact. The judge concluded her response by urging Pravasthi to reflect on the nature of competition. She spoke about the importance of accepting both victories and losses with grace, a fundamental lesson in any field, especially in one as subjective and competitive as music. Sunitha emphasized the value of respecting mentors, being open to constructive criticism, and focusing on personal and artistic growth rather than attributing failures to others.
Meanwhile, Gnapika Entertainments, the production house behind Padutha Theeyaga, also released a video to clarify their position. While the content of the producers’ video has yet to be dissected in detail, their involvement suggests an effort to maintain transparency and protect the integrity of the show. The incident has stirred a broader conversation around reality television and how contestants are treated, judged, and sometimes left unsupported. While fans and viewers await more clarifications from the showrunners and other judges, the controversy continues to trend across platforms, reminding audiences of the fragile line between public fame and private pain in the entertainment world.
