Who is Pujarini Pradhan? Influencer faces ‘industry plant’ claims, watch her reaction as celeb and fan support pours in

Pujarini Pradhan, a fast-rising Instagram creator from a village in West Bengal, has come under scrutiny online after sections of social media questioned the authenticity of her rapid growth and content style. The creator, who has over 675,000 followers with around 130 posts, responded to the allegations, stating that she built her platform independently.

Allegations over growth and content style

The controversy gained momentum in late March 2026, when several creators and users began analysing her content, pointing to its cinematic quality, consistent uploads and brand collaborations as reasons for scepticism. Some critics suggested her rise appeared “too fast” and questioned whether it was entirely organic.

Niharika Jain was among those who raised concerns, arguing that the level of consistency and content production required significant time and effort. She suggested that the creator’s online persona, combining a rural backdrop with fluent English and cultural commentary, appeared “constructed”.


The debate escalated further as some users labelled Pradhan an “industry plant”, a term used for creators perceived to have behind-the-scenes support while appearing independent. Collaborations with brands such as Netflix and Audible were also cited by critics. However, no concrete evidence has emerged to substantiate these claims.

Creator responds to criticism

In a video response shared on Instagram, Pradhan addressed the allegations directly, stating that her content is self-produced. “It took me only 15 to 20 minutes to shoot and edit this video,” she said, adding that there is no external team involved in creating her reels.

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A post shared by Pujarini Pradhan (@lifeofpujaa)

She clarified that while she works with agencies for brand collaborations, they do not contribute to content production. “The agency never helped me shoot, edit or script my videos. It was all me,” she said.

Addressing the criticism more broadly, she said the backlash intensified after she began expressing stronger opinions and earning from her content. “I built this from nothing,” she added, rejecting the “industry plant” label.

Debate over class, gender and representation

Supporters of Pradhan argued that the backlash reflects deeper discomfort with her identity as a rural, articulate and financially independent woman. Many pointed to perceived double standards, noting that creators from more privileged backgrounds rarely face similar scrutiny.

Some also highlighted how her content, which often touches on feminism, films, religion and everyday life, has drawn increased attention as her platform has grown.

Support and backlash on social media

The controversy has sparked widespread reactions online. Actor Archana Puran Singh voiced support, stating that critics fail to recognise authenticity. Influencer Kusha Kapila also backed Pradhan, encouraging her to continue her work.

Meanwhile, Jain issued a public clarification and apology, stating that her remarks were not intended to target Pradhan personally but to question broader trends in the creator ecosystem. She also reported facing backlash and cyberbullying, and has since stepped away from Instagram temporarily.