Tanya Mittal, a 25-year-old social media influencer, entrepreneur, and former Miss Asia Tourism Universe 2018, found herself at the center of a heated controversy following her actions and statements during the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. Known for her vibrant online presence and her brand “Handmade Love by Tanya,” Mittal gained nationwide attention after a video of her narrating a tragic stampede at the religious event went viral. This article explores the details of the controversy, her claims, public reactions, and the broader implications of her actions.
Background on Tanya Mittal
Tanya Mittal, born on September 27, 2000, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, is a multifaceted personality with a significant social media following, boasting over 2.5 million Instagram followers. She is an entrepreneur, model, motivational speaker, and the founder of “Handmade Love,” a brand specializing in handcrafted gifts like handbags and saris. Mittal, who holds a degree in Architecture from Chandigarh University, has also made a name for herself as a TEDx speaker and a philanthropist through her Bliss Foundation. Despite facing challenges like bullying due to her cleft lip and palate condition during childhood, she has built a reputation as a resilient and ambitious figure.
The Maha Kumbh Stampede Incident
The Maha Kumbh, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, took place in Prayagraj in early 2025. On Mauni Amavasya, a significant day during the event, a tragic stampede near Sangam Nose resulted in an estimated 30 deaths. Hours later, Tanya Mittal claimed that a second stampede occurred in the Jhusi area, approximately 2 kilometers away, which she alleged led to additional fatalities and injuries. In a viral video shared on her Instagram and during interviews with news channels, Mittal described being caught in this second stampede while attempting to rescue children. She recounted a harrowing experience, stating, “I couldn’t breathe… I saw people die in front of my eyes,” and claimed her team helped drag people to safety in a nearby Haldiram’s store.
Mittal’s emotional account included details of her efforts to save women and children, providing water and food, and comforting victims. She also criticized the event’s security arrangements, alleging that many victims were left unattended for hours and that she had to call authorities using phones retrieved from the deceased. However, her claims about the second stampede in Jhusi sparked debate, as official reports primarily focused on the Sangam Nose incident, and some questioned the authenticity of her account.
The Controversy Unfolds
The controversy surrounding Tanya Mittal’s involvement in the Maha Kumbh deepened due to several factors:
- Claims of Heroism and Backlash: Mittal’s videos and interviews portrayed her as a “VIP rescuer,” with claims that her bodyguards saved 100 people, including police officers, during the stampede. While some praised her humanitarian efforts, others accused her of exploiting the tragedy for social media clout. Critics pointed to her posting of “thank you” videos and screenshots of messages from people she allegedly helped, questioning whether these were genuine or staged for attention. A Reddit thread highlighted local complaints, alleging that Mittal’s actions caused financial losses to a shop she entered during the rescue, without compensation.
- Pahalgam Terror Attack Remarks: Adding fuel to the fire, Mittal commented on a separate incident—the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. In a now-deleted video, she stated, “Terrorism has no religion,” and emphasized that “India has only one religion, and that is Bharatiya.” These remarks triggered significant backlash, with netizens accusing her of downplaying the severity of the attack. Many tagged the tourism departments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, questioning her association with them as a supposed “brand ambassador.” Both departments issued statements clarifying that Mittal had no official affiliation, distancing themselves from her comments.
- Allegations of Inauthenticity: Mittal’s narrative as a “spiritual influencer” was scrutinized, with critics on platforms like Reddit and X claiming her social media content—often featuring deep-neck blouses and curated temple visits—contradicted her spiritual image. Some accused her of switching niches to exploit religious sentiments for views, with one X post labeling her a “fake spiritual influencer” who “defamed Mahakumbh.” Additionally, her business, Handmade Love, faced criticism for poor product quality and delivery issues, with a reported 2.9 rating and accusations of fraudulent practices.
Public and Media Reactions
The public response to Mittal’s actions was polarized. Supporters lauded her courage and humanitarian efforts during the stampede, viewing her emotional videos as a genuine reflection of trauma. Her fans appreciated her boldness in addressing sensitive issues and her rise from a small-town background to a national stage. However, detractors were vocal about her perceived arrogance and attention-seeking behavior. Social media platforms, particularly X, saw an outpouring of criticism, with users calling her “pretentious,” “egoistic,” and comparing her to controversial figures like Rakhi Sawant and Urvashi Rautela. One user remarked, “She lives in a world where she thinks she is superior,” while another criticized her for “pulling other girls down just to shine.”
Her appearance on Bigg Boss 19, which premiered on August 24, 2025, amplified the scrutiny. Mittal’s bold statements on the show, such as demanding to be called “ma’am” or “boss” and boasting about her luxurious lifestyle with bodyguards and convoys, drew further backlash. Netizens labeled her attitude as “pick me behavior” and accused her of creating drama for attention. A fellow contestant, Baseer Ali, even called her “brainless” for passing information without thought, highlighting tensions within the house.
Tanya Mittal’s Response
In an exclusive interview with WION, Mittal addressed the controversies, stating, “This year has been tough with two controversies back-to-back, not leaving a month of relaxation for me.” She expressed mental preparedness for further scrutiny on Bigg Boss 19, saying, “I am a very strong-headed girl, and I have been through a lot in life… I am ready.” Mittal maintained that her intention was to be authentic, emphasizing her small-town roots and her pride in representing her culture by wearing a saree on the show. However, her comments about other women compromising their culture in the industry were perceived as judgmental, further fueling criticism.
Broader Implications
The Tanya Mittal Kumbh controversy raises important questions about the role of social media influencers in sensitive situations. While influencers can amplify awareness of events like the Maha Kumbh stampede, their actions risk being perceived as performative if not handled with care. Mittal’s case highlights the fine line between genuine advocacy and opportunism, especially when tragedies are involved. The backlash against her remarks on the Pahalgam attack underscores the need for influencers to approach sensitive topics with nuance, particularly during times of national mourning.
Moreover, the controversy reflects the challenges of managing public personas in the digital age. Mittal’s rapid rise to fame, fueled by her viral Maha Kumbh video, demonstrates the power of social media to elevate individuals, but it also exposes them to intense scrutiny. The accusations of inauthenticity and exploitation suggest a broader public skepticism toward influencers who monetize emotional or tragic events.
Conclusion
Tanya Mittal’s involvement in the Maha Kumbh controversy and her subsequent actions on Bigg Boss 19 have made her a polarizing figure. While her supporters view her as a courageous and inspiring entrepreneur, critics see her as an attention-seeker who capitalized on a tragedy. The truth likely lies in a gray area, where her intentions may have been genuine but were overshadowed by perceived missteps in her public statements and behavior. As Mittal navigates her journey in the public eye, her story serves as a cautionary tale about the responsibilities and pitfalls of influencer culture in high-stakes contexts.
