Bengal influencer Pujarini Pradhan reacts after being called an 'industry plant'
Responding to the criticism in a now-viral video, Bengal content creator Pujarini Pradhan addressed the allegations of being called an 'industry plant'.
She built a following with simple, everyday videos, but now, Pujarini Pradhan is being accused of being an “industry plant”. The Bengal-based creator has responded strongly, calling out assumptions about her work, her success, and her voice online.
With over 5.7 lakh followers on Instagram, Pujarini’s content stands out for its quiet charm. Filmed from her home in rural East Midnapore, her videos capture slices of everyday life, from cooking and reading to reflections on routine and growth. There is no elaborate production, no dramatic storytelling, just a calm, composed presence that has steadily built her a loyal audience.
However, that very simplicity led some viewers to question its authenticity. Terms like “industry plant” and “social media construct” began circulating online, suggesting that Pujarini had a hidden team managing her content, from shooting and editing to brand collaborations.
Responding to the criticism in a now-viral video, Pujarini addressed the allegations head-on. She clarified that while she is currently represented by an agency, she has never hidden this fact and importantly, the agency only handles her brand deals. “The first agency I worked with was in November. That agency never helped me shoot or edit my videos, that was all me,” she said.
She went on to reveal her difficult early experiences, including being underpaid by a previous agency. “I was getting scammed,” she said, explaining how she was paid Rs 60,000 for two videos while the agency earned Rs 2 lakh from the same deal. It was only after parting ways and signing with a new agency in January that her brand work became consistent.
Pujarini also addressed personal criticisms about her lifestyle and content. “They questioned my consistency and time management,” she said, adding that she has often spoken about the support she receives at home, from her mother-in-law and husband. On accusations of inauthenticity, she responded candidly: “They say I am not authentic, but I don’t know how to pretend to be authentic.”
Watch the video here:
She didn’t shy away from calling out the deeper bias behind the backlash. “They were fine until I started giving my opinions on feminism and politics. They want to see suffering in every video,” she said, adding, “But the moment I started making money, they felt like I’m a danger, and they started making conspiracy theories.”
Her response struck a chord online, with several well-known voices, including Kusha Kapila, Nikhil Taneja, Guneet Monga, and Kalyani Saha, showing their support.
Pujarini’s journey is a reminder of how digital success stories are often met with scepticism, especially when they emerge from unconventional spaces. A homemaker from rural Bengal, she became popular not through glamour or high-budget content, but through consistency, clarity, and relatability, documenting her life with honesty and ease.
In pushing back against the “industry plant” label, Pujarini has not just defended her work, but also highlighted the challenges faced by creators trying to carve their own space proving that sometimes, simplicity itself can be powerful enough to spark both admiration and doubt.
She built a following with simple, everyday videos, but now, Pujarini Pradhan is being accused of being an “industry plant”. The Bengal-based creator has responded strongly, calling out assumptions about her work, her success, and her voice online.
With over 5.7 lakh followers on Instagram, Pujarini’s content stands out for its quiet charm. Filmed from her home in rural East Midnapore, her videos capture slices of everyday life, from cooking and reading to reflections on routine and growth. There is no elaborate production, no dramatic storytelling, just a calm, composed presence that has steadily built her a loyal audience.
However, that very simplicity led some viewers to question its authenticity. Terms like “industry plant” and “social media construct” began circulating online, suggesting that Pujarini had a hidden team managing her content, from shooting and editing to brand collaborations.
Responding to the criticism in a now-viral video, Pujarini addressed the allegations head-on. She clarified that while she is currently represented by an agency, she has never hidden this fact and importantly, the agency only handles her brand deals. “The first agency I worked with was in November. That agency never helped me shoot or edit my videos, that was all me,” she said.
She went on to reveal her difficult early experiences, including being underpaid by a previous agency. “I was getting scammed,” she said, explaining how she was paid Rs 60,000 for two videos while the agency earned Rs 2 lakh from the same deal. It was only after parting ways and signing with a new agency in January that her brand work became consistent.
Pujarini also addressed personal criticisms about her lifestyle and content. “They questioned my consistency and time management,” she said, adding that she has often spoken about the support she receives at home, from her mother-in-law and husband. On accusations of inauthenticity, she responded candidly: “They say I am not authentic, but I don’t know how to pretend to be authentic.”
Watch the video here:
She didn’t shy away from calling out the deeper bias behind the backlash. “They were fine until I started giving my opinions on feminism and politics. They want to see suffering in every video,” she said, adding, “But the moment I started making money, they felt like I’m a danger, and they started making conspiracy theories.”
Her response struck a chord online, with several well-known voices, including Kusha Kapila, Nikhil Taneja, Guneet Monga, and Kalyani Saha, showing their support.
Pujarini’s journey is a reminder of how digital success stories are often met with scepticism, especially when they emerge from unconventional spaces. A homemaker from rural Bengal, she became popular not through glamour or high-budget content, but through consistency, clarity, and relatability, documenting her life with honesty and ease.
In pushing back against the “industry plant” label, Pujarini has not just defended her work, but also highlighted the challenges faced by creators trying to carve their own space proving that sometimes, simplicity itself can be powerful enough to spark both admiration and doubt.
