Actor and classical dancer Sudha Chandran has spoken out after facing online criticism over a video from a recent jagran that went viral on social media. The clip, which showed her emotionally immersed during the devotional gathering, triggered a wave of reactions—ranging from support and admiration to scepticism and mockery.
For Sudha, however, the debate itself feels misplaced. She believes faith is a deeply personal experience, not something that requires validation or explanation in the court of public opinion.
A Viral Moment That Sparked Polarising Reactions
The controversy began earlier this week when short video clips from a jagran started circulating widely on social media platforms. In the footage, Sudha Chandran can be seen overwhelmed by emotion as devotional songs played, appearing to enter a trance-like state.
Dressed in a red-and-white saree and wearing a headband inscribed with “Jai Mata Di,” the actor appeared completely absorbed in the spiritual atmosphere. At moments, she seemed unable to control her movements, prompting a few people around her to step in and calm her down.
While many viewers described the scene as an intense expression of devotion, others were quick to dismiss it as exaggerated or staged. The mixed reactions soon turned into a debate about faith, performance, and public perception—especially when it involves a well-known personality.
Sudha Responds: “I Don’t Owe Anyone an Explanation”
Breaking her silence in an interview with Zoom, Sudha addressed the trolling with remarkable composure. Rather than defending herself point by point, she chose to speak about her broader philosophy toward life and belief.
“I am not here to justify myself,” she said. “I have my own understanding of life and spirituality. I have certain bonds and beliefs that I hold close, and I respect them deeply.”
She made it clear that online criticism does not affect her sense of self.
“I genuinely don’t care about people who troll,” she added. “If they are happy doing that, let them be. What matters to me are the countless people who felt connected to that moment.”
According to Sudha, messages from viewers who said they resonated with her emotional state far outweighed the negativity.
“For every person who mocked it, there were many more who understood it,” she said. “That connection is far more meaningful to me.”
Faith, Emotion, and the Problem With Judgement
Sudha emphasised that devotion cannot be measured or categorised into neat, socially acceptable forms. People express faith in different ways, she believes, and none of them deserve ridicule.
“Some people pray silently. Some cry. Some dance. Some surrender completely in that moment,” she explained. “Why should one form of devotion be considered right and another wrong?”
She added that social media often strips moments of their context, reducing deeply personal experiences into bite-sized clips that invite instant judgement.
“A spiritual gathering is not a stage performance,” she said. “You cannot understand someone’s inner state by watching a few seconds on your phone screen.”
A Life Shaped by Resilience, Not Approval
Sudha Chandran’s refusal to seek validation from others is not new. Her life story itself is a testament to perseverance in the face of doubt and criticism.
She recalled how, after the life-altering accident in her youth that led to the amputation of her leg, many questioned her decision to return to dance and acting.
“People told me I was being unrealistic,” she said. “They asked why I was pushing myself instead of accepting limitations.”
Yet, she went on to build a celebrated career, becoming an inspiration for millions across the country.
“When the same journey becomes a success story, the narrative changes,” she reflected. “Suddenly, everyone wants to talk about courage and determination.”
That experience, she said, taught her never to base her choices on public opinion.
“I have never lived my life thinking about what people will say,” Sudha stated. “I am self-made, and I live with self-respect.”
What Really Happened at the Jagran
Those who were present at the jagran described it as an emotionally charged environment where devotion ran deep. According to attendees, Sudha’s reaction was spontaneous and unplanned, triggered by the intensity of the bhajans and the collective energy of the gathering.
The videos, however, told only part of the story.
Short clips showing Sudha jumping or appearing disoriented were widely shared, often without context. In some frames, she appeared to bite people who were trying to restrain her—an image that further fuelled speculation and criticism.
Sudha maintained that such moments cannot be judged in isolation.
“Not everything needs a label,” she said. “Some experiences cannot be explained—they are simply lived.”
Support From Fans and the Industry
While trolling dominated parts of social media, a significant number of fans came out in Sudha’s support. Many defended her right to express her faith without being scrutinised, pointing out that spiritual trances are not uncommon in devotional settings.
Several users also praised her dignified response, noting that she chose calm reflection over outrage.
“Her silence spoke louder than arguments,” one fan wrote. “Not everyone needs to explain their faith.”
A Veteran Performer With Lasting Impact
Sudha Chandran remains one of Indian television’s most recognisable and respected faces. In recent years, she gained renewed popularity for her role as Yamini Raheja in the first two seasons of Naagin, where her commanding screen presence earned widespread praise.
Over the decades, she has been part of iconic shows such as Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, and Mata Ki Chowki: Kalyug Mein Bhakti Ki Shakti. Beyond television, her journey as a classical dancer has inspired generations.
Her personal story—marked by resilience, discipline, and faith—continues to resonate far beyond the screen.
Choosing Peace Over Noise
As the discussion around the viral jagran video continues, Sudha Chandran appears unaffected by the noise. She believes that inner peace matters more than public approval.
“I am answerable to no one,” she said. “I live my life with dignity, gratitude, and faith.”
In an age where every emotional moment is dissected online, her response stands as a reminder that not everything is meant to be understood by everyone.
Some moments, she believes, belong only to the soul.