Popular Indian gaming influencer and YouTuber Payal Dhare, widely known as Payal Gaming, has been embroiled in a disturbing controversy involving a private video circulating on social media. Netizens are speculating that the woman featured in the viral MMS clip is Payal, but her dedicated fanbase is vehemently defending her, asserting the footage is a deepfake created maliciously to generate views. As of now, there is no official confirmation from Payal or verified sources regarding the authenticity of the video.
Who Is Payal Gaming? A Trailblazing Career
Payal Dhare, who began her YouTube journey in 2019, rapidly ascended to become one of India's most prominent female gaming personalities. She built a massive following by posting engaging gameplay videos and live streams for popular titles like BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India), PUBG, and GTA V. Her relatable persona and interactive style helped her channel cross 1 million subscribers by 2021.
Her achievements are groundbreaking. Payal Gaming holds the title of the first Indian female gamer to surpass 3 million subscribers on YouTube. She is also affiliated with S8UL Esports, a leading Indian gaming organisation. In 2024, her excellence was recognized internationally when she won an award at the MOBIES (Mobile Gaming Awards), marking her as one of India's first female gamers to receive such honour.
Her influence extends to the highest levels of government. In 2023, she met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the future of gaming in India. As the only female gamer present at the meeting, she advocated for gaming as a stable career option, especially for women facing family restrictions that prevent them from leaving home for traditional work.
The Viral MMS Controversy: Claims and Counterclaims
A private video is currently making rounds on various social media platforms, with unverified claims identifying the woman in it as Payal Gaming. Screenshots and short clips from the alleged MMS are being widely shared, alongside comparisons with the influencer's known videos.
In response, Payal's fans have launched a strong defence. They are urging the public to stop sharing the unverified content, referring to the viral clips such as the '19-minute' and '40-minute' videos. They highlight that this is not the first time a content creator's name has been dragged into a scandal without concrete proof. The central argument from her supporters is that Payal is likely a victim of deepfake technology, where AI tools are used to superimpose a person's likeness into explicit content.
Rising Concerns and Official Warnings
This incident has sparked significant concerns about safety and misuse on online platforms. Authorities have issued strict warnings against sharing such videos on social media, emphasizing that the authenticity of the clips remains completely unknown and sharing them could have legal consequences.
Her fan community has echoed this call for responsibility, asking social media users to act ethically and refrain from amplifying potentially fabricated content that can damage a person's reputation. Despite the intense speculation online, Payal Gaming herself has not issued any official statement or confirmation regarding the viral video at this time.
