Pravasthi-Sunitha Controversy: The long-standing battle of playback singer Pravasthi Aaradhya and judge Sunitha Upadrashta has been transformed into a dramatic turnaround, drawing attention much beyond accusations of bias and harassment. The maelstrom that was brewing finally broke out after Pravasthi, one of the contestants on reality show Padutha Teeyaga Silver Jubilee, accused Sunitha and other judges of partiality, harassment, and body-shaming. What began as a row over fairness on reality shows has taken a turn with arguments centring around caste.
In the brazier of controversy, web searches and online discussions regarding Pravasthi Aaradhya’s caste have gained momentum, obliterating the very questions she posed. The episode serves to point out a grim social trend where caste is at the forefront even in matters of no relation at all to it. Such rumour-mongering not only distracts from the accusation of partiality but also keeps alive aged social prejudices.
Responding to allegations, Sunitha had rejected accusations of discrimination and said song selection was based on telecasts and never due to personal prejudice. But the incident has now taken greater dimensions with society’s interest in caste. It points to how deep-seated caste awareness remains in Indian society, even in spheres of creativeness and professionalism.
The controversy is an appeal to turn the focus back away from caste issues and towards issues of the system of transparency, justice, and accountability in life TV shows. Allowing controversy on issues of caste moves away from attempting to address more profound issues, such as mental health care for contestants, standards of ethics on judging, and promoting inclusive cultures.
Pravasthi Aaradhya-Sunitha Upadrashta scandal is a sad reminder of caste’s ubiquity in public life. It reminds society to break the same and drive merit-based, talent-based, and inclusive narratives to the forefront. The incident is a reminder to wake up and envision differently a future that is not caste but human talent and compassion.
Also Read: Sunitha & Pravasthi’s Padutha Theeyaga Controversy
By focusing our eyes on the real issues that confront us, we can positively move towards a just and equitable society. Let this scandal spark dialogue to bring about change, rather than confirm long-standing prejudices.
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