Payal Malik, YouTuber and contestant on Bigg Boss OTT 3, visited the Kali Mata Temple in Patiala on July 23 to issue a public apology after her portrayal of Goddess Kali in a viral Instagram video drew intense backlash. The video, which featured her dressed as the Hindu goddess, was widely condemned online for being disrespectful to religious sentiments.
The controversy escalated after Shiv Sena Hind filed a formal police complaint in Mohali on July 20. The organisation’s National General Secretary, Dipanshu Sood, labelled the portrayal “inappropriate and disrespectful,” and urged authorities to take strict action under the IT Act.
Visibly emotional and with folded hands, Payal stood in front of the temple’s devotees and said, “It was never my intention to hurt anyone’s religious feelings.” She explained that her daughter, a devotee of Goddess Kali, inspired the look, which was created more than three months ago. “I thought it was a sweet idea, but perhaps I made a big mistake,” she admitted.
Accompanied by her husband Armaan Malik, a popular YouTuber known for his unconventional family dynamics and massive following, Payal was seen breaking down in tears during the apology. She added that the controversial video had already been taken down months ago, but its recent resurfacing online reignited criticism, prompting her to come forward and apologise publicly.
“To all the religious groups and the public watching this, please forgive me. I promise to never repeat this mistake,” she said, bowing her head in remorse.
Later in the evening, Armaan Malik also visited the Shiv Sagar Mahakali Temple in Kharar to seek blessings and express solidarity with the apology. The couple’s temple visits have since sparked fresh debate online, with some expressing empathy while others criticised the act as damage control.
