Urfi Javed, the actor and social media influencer, visited the Kamakhya Devi Temple in Guwahati on July 2, 2026, just days after publicly denying rumours that she had changed her name and religion. She shared photos on Instagram showing her in a lime green kurta with a pink dupatta covering her head, a red religious scarf, and a tilak, a notably understated look for someone known for bold fashion choices. In the images, she is seen praying with folded hands during temple rituals.
Background of the controversy
The visit follows a viral controversy sparked by content creator and journalist Meeta Chowdhry, who posted a video claiming Urfi converted from Islam to Hinduism and changed her name to "Rita Bhardwaj." The video also criticised Urfi's fashion sense. Urfi responded on her Instagram Stories, denying the claims outright. She stated she had never changed her name or religion, adding that she does not believe in any religion at all. She also questioned Chowdhry's credentials and urged her to verify facts before posting.
Urfi's response and alleged messages
Urfi later shared screenshots of messages she alleged were sent by Chowdhry after the video was posted. She described the messages as too "triggering" to share in full. According to Urfi, the original video was deleted and Chowdhry blocked her. Chowdhry has not publicly responded to the allegations. The controversy has reignited debates about online misinformation and the scrutiny faced by public figures regarding their religious identity.
Impact and ongoing discussion
The temple visit and the preceding denial have kept Urfi Javed in the spotlight, drawing attention to the intersection of celebrity culture, religious identity, and social media accountability. Fans and critics alike have weighed in, with some supporting Urfi's right to privacy and others questioning the motives behind the original claims. The incident underscores the rapid spread of unverified information online and its potential to affect individuals' reputations.
