Mumbai, July 28, 2025 —
In a scandal that has shaken both the Bollywood world and Hindu religious circles, actress Tanushree Dutta, known for her outspoken spiritual devotion and vocal support of Sanatan Dharma, has landed at the center of a fiery controversy.

A viral photo circulating on social media this weekend shows Tanushree allegedly consuming mutton curry at a luxury restaurant in Juhu during the sacred month of Sawan — a time when millions of Lord Shiva’s devotees abstain from meat, alcohol, and even certain vegetables as a sign of purity and sacrifice.

The backlash has been swift and unforgiving.

“This is pure hypocrisy,” said one angry devotee on X (formerly Twitter).
“You chant Har Har Mahadev one day and feast on meat the next?”

The photo, which appears to be taken without her knowledge, shows the actress seated at a table with a plate of mutton curry, naan, and a glass of juice — just days after she posted a heartfelt video reciting Shiva mantras and urging followers to fast during the holy month.

A Devotee-Turned-Heretic?

The outrage stems not just from the act itself, but from the deep betrayal felt by her followers. Tanushree has long positioned herself as a reformed spiritual seeker after stepping away from the film industry. Over the years, she has shared countless posts about temple visits, her spiritual routines, and fasting rituals.

Just last week, she posted a photo of her praying at the Trimbakeshwar temple, writing:

“Sawan is the most divine time to connect with Mahadev. Fasting cleanses the body and soul.”

That post now sits under a flood of angry comments.

“What soul-cleansing is this when your stomach is full of meat?” wrote one user.
“This is not spirituality, this is showbiz religion!” said another.

Tanushree Speaks Out

In a voice note shared to her official Instagram account late Monday evening, Tanushree did not deny the incident, but instead claimed the photo was taken out of context.

“Yes, I was at that restaurant, but the food in front of me was not mine. I was meeting a producer for a script discussion. People love to assume and attack.”

But the damage may already be done.

A Divided Nation

While some fans have come to her defense — citing religious freedom and privacy — a larger section of the public, especially devout Hindus observing the Sawan fast, see it as a mockery of sacred traditions.

Temples in certain parts of India, including Ujjain and Varanasi, have reportedly begun removing her photos from donation campaigns. One spiritual influencer even demanded she issue a public apology or face a boycott from future religious events.

Meanwhile, online petitions are being circulated to ban her from speaking at Hindu forums, and hashtags like #TanushreeHypocrite and #RespectSawan are trending on Indian social media.

A Pattern of Controversy?

This isn’t the first time Tanushree Dutta has found herself in the headlines. Known for igniting the #MeToo movement in India in 2018, she’s no stranger to public scrutiny. But this incident, many argue, isn’t about activism or victimhood — it’s about personal integrity and public accountability.

So What Now?

Religious scholars remain split. Some believe spiritual journeys are personal and shouldn’t be policed. Others argue that when one claims moral leadership in faith, actions like these can’t be brushed aside.

As the Sawan month continues, one thing is clear: Tanushree Dutta’s credibility among Lord Shiva’s devotees has taken a serious hit — and it may take more than a PR statement to win it back