In 2021, a series of candid paparazzi shots of superstar Prabhas plunged the actor into a harsh and unwarranted online controversy. The images, which showed him exiting a dance rehearsal session with co-star Kriti Sanon, became fodder for widespread mockery and body-shaming across social media platforms.
The Viral Storm and Social Media Cruelty
The incident, as reported by India Times, began when a popular paparazzi account shared the photos. They rapidly spread across the internet, triggering a flood of negative and often cruel comments. The speed of the backlash highlighted a dark side of fame, where public figures are subjected to instant and relentless scrutiny.
Social media users, particularly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), unleashed a wave of jokes aimed at Prabhas's appearance. The comments, many in Hindi, were brutally personal. One user quipped, “Kisi ne 2 ghnte paani me bhigo dya bahubali ko,” suggesting someone had soaked the 'Baahubali' star in water for two hours. Another asked dismissively, “Why does he look like an uncle?” A particularly harsh comment compared him to a popular street food, writing, “Tu khud wada pav ban gaya hai Prabhas...” (You yourself have turned into vada pav, Prabhas). Others expressed shock, with one asking, “OMG who’s this guy and what has he done to the very hot Prabhas??”
The Context Behind the Physical Transformation
What much of the online chatter ignored was the professional context behind Prabhas's changed look. Reports at the time clearly linked his physical appearance to his upcoming role in the mythological epic 'Adipurush,' where he was set to portray Lord Rama. It was widely covered that both Prabhas and his co-star Saif Ali Khan had intentionally gained weight as part of their preparation for their respective characters. The actor's dedication to his craft, a trait for which he is widely respected, was overshadowed by superficial ridicule.
Fan Backlash and the Power of Support
Amidst the torrent of hate, a counter-wave of support from loyal fans emerged. This moment underscored that while negativity can spread quickly online, so can solidarity and defense. One staunch supporter took to X to push back against the trolls, writing a message of unconditional acceptance. The fan stated, “I accept him whatever way he is,” and directly called out the “trollers” and “body shamers.” This defense highlighted the often-overlooked narrative of fan loyalty and the rejection of toxic online behavior.
The entire episode served as a stark reminder of the intense pressures and instant judgments faced by celebrities in the digital age. It juxtaposed the superficial cruelty of online mobs with the genuine affection and respect of a star's fanbase, all sparked by a few paparazzi photos outside a rehearsal studio in 2021.
