Pune Influencer Atharva Sudame Deletes Ganeshotsav Video After Backlash

Pune, August 25, 2025: Social media influencer Atharva Sudame found himself in the middle of a controversy after posting a video promoting communal harmony during Ganeshotsav. The video, which featured a message of unity between communities, drew sharp criticism from certain Hindutva groups. Facing intense backlash, Sudame deleted the video and issued an apology.

The matter has now reached Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray after senior legal expert Asim Sarode intervened, urging the party to support Sudame.

https://t.co/tC5fI2cVyJ pic.twitter.com/YqfHOZjXHt

— Asim Sarode (@AsimSarode) August 25, 2025

What Was in the Video?

In the reel, Sudame portrayed a devotee buying a Ganesh idol from a Muslim artisan. When the artisan hesitated, Sudame’s character replied with a powerful message:

अथर्व सुदामे चा हिंदू मुस्लिम ऐक्यावरचा हा विडिओ अतिशय छान झालाय.

सर्वधर्म समभाव हा प्रत्येक सणात असतोच. त्यात काय चूक आहे. कोणी टीका केली म्हणून घाबरायच नाही तर आपली भूमिका अजून स्पष्ट मांडायची.

संविधान ने तो हक्क दिला आहे. नक्की पहा 👇pic.twitter.com/ZXmlvl2xqE

— Adv Anand Dasa (@Anand_Dasa88) August 25, 2025

“My father says we should be like sugar, which sweetens both kheer and sheer khurma, and like a brick, which is used in temples as well as mosques.” This symbolic appeal for religious harmony triggered criticism and threats from some right-wing groups, forcing Sudame to take down the video. Asim Sarode Speaks Out Expressing concern, Sarode stated: “Atharva’s video carried a beautiful message of brotherhood. It’s disturbing that he had to delete it due to intimidation. Such attacks on freedom of expression must be resisted. I stand with Atharva.”

“My father says we should be like sugar, which sweetens both kheer and sheer khurma, and like a brick, which is used in temples as well as mosques.”

This symbolic appeal for religious harmony triggered criticism and threats from some right-wing groups, forcing Sudame to take down the video.

Asim Sarode Speaks Out

Expressing concern, Sarode stated:
“Atharva’s video carried a beautiful message of brotherhood. It’s disturbing that he had to delete it due to intimidation. Such attacks on freedom of expression must be resisted. I stand with Atharva.”

पुण्यातील प्रसिद्ध सोशल मीडिया इन्फ्लुएन्सर अथर्व सुदामे नुकतीच 'हिंदू- मूस्लिम ऐक्य' विषयावर एक रील पोस्ट केली होती. मात्र, या रीलमुळे तो आता वादाच्या भोवऱ्यात सापडला आहे. ट्रोल झाल्यानंतर सुदामेने ही रील डिलीट करत माफी मागितली आहे. #ArthavaSudame #SocialMediaControversy pic.twitter.com/kH9rAQYYKK

— SaamTV News (@saamTVnews) August 25, 2025

Sarode revealed that he personally spoke to Raj Thackeray:
“Raj Thackeray once appreciated Atharva’s work, which encouraged him to create responsible content. Now that he is being targeted, I urged Raj and MNS to stand by him. Atharva should re-upload the video. Let’s see who tries to stop him.”

The Bigger Debate

This incident has sparked a debate on the shrinking space for creative freedom and the increasing pressure on influencers to conform to ideological narratives.