Last Updated:
Payal Rohatgi is facing heavy criticism after a WhatsApp chat with a journalist went viral. Netizens believe her remarks indirectly mocked Shefali Jariwala’s death.
Payal Rohatgi has landed in controversy after a screenshot of her WhatsApp exchange with a journalist went viral.
Former Bigg Boss contestant Payal Rohatgi has stirred controversy after making allegedly insensitive remarks that many believe were aimed at the late actress-model Shefali Jariwala. Shefali passed away on June 27, and investigators reportedly found anti-ageing medicines, skin glow tablets, and vitamin supplements in her apartment—sparking widespread speculation and debate about the cause of her death.
In the midst of this, Payal’s WhatsApp exchange with a journalist has gone viral for all the wrong reasons. The conversation began when the journalist reached out to ask about persistent divorce rumours surrounding Payal and her husband, wrestler Sangram Singh.
The message read, “Hey Payal, good morning! I hope you’re doing well. There have been some reports going around suggesting that things might not be okay between you and Sangram, and that you both might be heading for a divorce. Is there any truth to these rumours? Just wanted to check with you.”
Payal responded with a scathing message, “Sorry to know Vijaya that u are suffering from depression. Kindly don’t do drugs in the day… Overdose might kill.”
When the journalist clarified that she was simply asking based on existing reports and not writing a story, Payal replied, “And then it will be called that anti-aging medication did that to u by your own paper.”
Though she didn’t mention Shefali by name, many social media users believe Payal was referencing her death in a derogatory manner. Payal even posted screenshots of this chat on her Instagram story on July 9, drawing further backlash.
In another part of the chat with a different journalist, Payal allegedly mocked mental health issues again, writing, “Hope you are not into depression and drinking.”
When called out for making light of mental illness, Payal doubled down, “When you all made fun of my mental health did I react like this? As a journalist don’t f**k around with me again. Go file your story.”
She briefly blocked the journalist before sending one final message, “U all have been following me since 3 years waiting for me to crumble. U think I am born yesterday? Karma comes for all. How ever sweet u portray like fraud. Now I hope you will kindly get lost.”
The screenshots quickly went viral on Reddit, where users blasted Payal’s behaviour as “vile,” “insensitive,” and “disgusting.” One user wrote, “If you can’t handle questions, then stop putting your life out for public consumption. And the worst part? She’s clearly making a vile insinuation about how Shefali Jariwala died. That’s not just despicable, it’s cruel, and shameful.”
Another commented, “She was always like this. Not just belittling depression and calling it drug overdose—please read the last line too. She is absolutely insensitive.”
As of now, Payal has not issued a public response to the backlash.
In recent months, Payal and Sangram have been posting cryptic notes and exchanging public jabs on social media, fuelling rumours of marital discord. However, Sangram recently addressed the speculation, stating that the two are “inseparable.”
Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he’s breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he’s always on the hun…Read More
Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he’s breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he’s always on the hun… Read More
view comments
- First Published:
