Payal Malik Breaks Down Amid Temple Backlash: Forced to Mop Floors and Wash Utensils After Controversial Kali Maa Video

Payal Malik, the wife of popular YouTuber Armaan Malik, finds herself in the middle of yet another firestorm—this time, one that centers on religion, public outrage, and a painful lesson in social responsibility. The controversy exploded after Payal posted a video on Instagram in which she appeared dressed as the Hindu goddess Kali Maa, sparking widespread anger and accusations that she had hurt religious sentiments.

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Payal’s creative expression, intended perhaps as a dramatic or devotional act, quickly turned into a PR nightmare. Immediately, followers and religious groups condemned the video, claiming it mocked one of Hinduism’s most revered deities. The criticism was so intense that Payal was forced to pull the video from her social media and issue a public apology. Yet, the backlash didn’t stop there. Reportedly, formal complaints were filed against her, multiplying the pressure on Payal and her family.

In an act of penance, Payal, joined by her husband Armaan, went to a Kali temple in Patiala. There, she not only apologized with folded hands but also participated in community service as a form of repentance. Videos of Payal washing utensils and sweeping the temple premises soon appeared online, showing her in tears and visibly affected by the ordeal. The couple also served food to devotees as a gesture of respect and remorse. Payal told the media and onlookers that she deeply regretted causing any emotional pain and vowed never to repeat such a mistake.

This episode isn’t Payal Malik’s first brush with controversy. Her personal life has long been a subject of public discussion. She’s notably part of a high-profile polygamous marriage: Armaan Malik married Payal’s best friend Kritika without divorcing Payal, and the two women not only coexist but also share a “sister-like” relationship under one roof. Such an arrangement has led to Payal being accused of supporting polygamy, drawing both fascination and criticism from the public.

Reality TV watchers might recall the trio’s memorable stint on “Bigg Boss OTT,” where Payal’s actions again drew public ire. Most infamously, she was accused of misrepresenting fellow contestant Vishal Pandey’s words, leading to an on-air confrontation between Armaan and Vishal. Even after her exit from the show, Payal created a stir by announcing her intent to divorce Armaan on social media—only to backtrack when he returned home. Many have labeled such public dramas as publicity stunts to stay in the limelight.

After “Bigg Boss,” Payal again faced trolling and felt compelled to clarify her position in the marriage, stating she is Armaan’s legal wife and placing blame, at least in part, on Kritika. This, predictably, led to even more backlash and yet another round of public explanations.

Payal Malik’s life, it seems, is never far from controversy. But the fallout from her recent involvement in the Kali Maa controversy has had perhaps the most far-reaching consequences yet, with legal complaints, organized protests, online trolling, and public penance all marking the aftermath.

As this episode demonstrates, social media fame comes with powerful risks—especially when it involves religious sensitivity. For Payal Malik, sweeping temple floors and washing dishes served not just as an apology, but as a sobering reminder of the fine line between creative expression and social responsibility. Whether this incident will mark a turning point in how she manages her fame remains to be seen, but for now, one thing is clear: the court of public opinion is unforgiving, and for internet personalities, every post is a high-stakes game.