Khushboo Patani slams Aniruddhacharya, calls followers spineless, disrespectful.
Aniruddhacharya, widely known as Pookie Baba, sparked outrage with his controversial statement claiming that girls aged 25 are unfit for marriage, implying they’ve likely been involved with multiple men. The remark drew sharp criticism across social media, with many accusing him of promoting misogyny and spreading regressive views about women.
His statement — suggesting that women over the age of 25 who live with their partners before marriage are not fit to be wives as they may have “been with multiple men” — has triggered widespread outrage across social media platforms and in public discourse.
In a fiery video now going viral online, Khushboo took a direct shot at Aniruddhacharya for what she called deeply misogynistic and regressive views on women and their personal choices.
In the video, she expressed outrage over the spiritual leader’s remarks, calling them “anti-national” and “insulting to the dignity of women.” She said, “He says girls who are above the age of 25 and stay in live-in relationships, woh 4 jagah mooh maar ke aati hai (they’ve been with multiple men). If only he was around me, I would have made him understand the weight of the words he’s used against women.”
She didn’t hold back in expressing her disappointment with those who continue to support him. “His followers are spineless,” she added, questioning the silence of his supporters in the face of such offensive rhetoric. “Why are these so-called spiritual leaders so focused on controlling women’s choices and questioning their morality?”
Khushboo also raised a crucial point about the gender bias in such statements. “Why did he only question girls in live-in relationships? Why not boys? What is wrong if two people decide to understand each other before getting married? How does that make them immoral?” she asked.
Her candid take has sharply divided public opinion online. While many praised her courage for speaking out and holding a religious figure accountable, others criticised her use of strong language, arguing that she could have made her point in a more respectful tone. Nevertheless, her video gained traction, bringing the issue to the national spotlight.
Adding to the conversation, some netizens pointed out that Aniruddhacharya isn’t the only one who has made such remarks. Another spiritual leader, Swami Premanand Maharaj, also stirred controversy with similar comments. Gandagi ka khazana. (Today’s youth are not of pure character… Live-in is a treasure of filth).”
This parallel further inflamed the debate, with some trying to link Khushboo’s remarks to both spiritual leaders. In response, Khushboo issued a clarification on her Instagram Stories, writing:
“It has come to my notice that a false narrative is being circulated online, mixing my name with revered spiritual figure Premanand Maharaj Ji, and spreading baseless claims that I have said something about him. Let me make this very clear – My words were strictly in response to a misogynistic comment made by Anirudh Acharya, and were directed only at him.”
As the controversy continues to swirl, it has reignited larger conversations about women’s autonomy, gender biases in spiritual discourse, and the role of social influencers in shaping public thought. Whether or not Khushboo’s outburst was too harsh remains debatable, but it has undeniably struck a chord with many who are weary of the double standards imposed on women in the name of tradition.