Tanya Mittal Exposed: From Sanskari to “Pick-Me”—The Internet’s Love-Hate Relationship with a Social Media Star

In the ever-evolving world of Indian social media, where trends change as quickly as Instagram reels, few personalities have sparked as much debate and divided opinion as Tanya Mittal. Once celebrated for her “sanskari” (traditional) image, Tanya now finds herself at the center of a storm, accused by some of being a “pick-me” girl—someone who seeks attention by trying to appear different from other women, often at the expense of her own authenticity.

But is the criticism justified, or is Tanya just a young woman navigating the treacherous waters of internet fame in her own way? As the memes, reaction videos, and heated comment threads multiply, let’s take a closer look at the rise, fall, and complex reality of Tanya Mittal.

From Temples to Trending

Tanya’s journey began far from controversy. Early in her career, she was known for her wholesome content—videos from temple visits, devotional reels, and family-friendly vlogs that resonated with millions. Her relatability and charm even led to rumors that she was named a brand ambassador for Uttar Pradesh tourism, especially during the Kumbh Mela. Whether or not those claims were true, they cemented her image as a “good girl” in the eyes of the public.

But the internet is a fickle place. As Tanya’s follower count soared past two million on Instagram, the pressure to keep her content fresh—and her audience engaged—grew intense. Like many creators, she began experimenting with new styles, humor, and themes, sometimes pushing the boundaries of her original image.

The “Pick-Me” Accusations

The backlash began when Tanya’s videos took a more playful, sometimes provocative turn. Critics accused her of manufacturing drama for views: from feigning confusion about simple things, to making exaggerated requests (like flying to Abu Dhabi just to eat baklava), to creating staged “cute” moments that seemed designed to go viral.

Reaction videos began to surface, dissecting her every move. Some pointed out how Tanya’s earlier content, focused on spirituality and tradition, had given way to more attention-seeking antics. “She used to make videos in temples—now it’s all about views and followers,” lamented one commentator. Others accused her of being insincere, of “faking happiness,” and of using her femininity to attract male attention.

The term “pick-me” became a common refrain: a label used to describe girls who, intentionally or not, try to stand out by pandering to male audiences or by putting down other women.

The Double Standard

But is the criticism fair? Social media is, after all, a performance. Every creator, male or female, is under constant pressure to innovate, entertain, and stay relevant. Tanya’s playful videos—whether about craving baklava or rushing to catch a flight—are hardly unique in the world of content creation.

What’s more, the line between authenticity and performance has always been blurry online. Tanya herself has addressed the hate, insisting that nothing about her has truly changed: “Style may change, but Tanya will never change. I’m still the same person at heart.”

Her defenders argue that the outrage is rooted in a double standard. Male creators are often celebrated for their antics and over-the-top humor, while women are scrutinized for every perceived misstep. “If a guy made random videos about wanting sweets or making last-minute travel plans, people would just laugh,” notes one fan. “But when Tanya does it, she’s called fake or attention-seeking.”

A Glimpse Behind the Curtain

Beneath the memes and mockery lies a more serious conversation about the pressures faced by young women online. Tanya’s critics often ignore the emotional toll of constant judgment, the anxiety of keeping up with trends, and the reality that every move is subject to public dissection.

In a poignant moment, the reaction video’s narrator reflects on how women are often forced to bottle up their pain, rarely able to express anger or frustration without being labeled as “dramatic” or “attention-seeking.” “Girls spend their whole lives swallowing their pain,” the narrator observes. “Even when they try to explain what hurts them, no one really listens.”

Tanya’s own attempts to talk about women’s issues—like menstrual pain—are met with cynicism, accused of being just another ploy for attention. But perhaps the real issue is that the internet still struggles to accept women who are both vulnerable and ambitious, both traditional and modern.

The Allure of the “Fake”

It’s easy to mock Tanya’s “scripted cravings” or her habit of turning everyday moments into content. But in a digital world where everyone is performing, who gets to decide what’s real? Is it any less authentic to want to share your excitement about baklava, or to film the chaos of getting ready for a flight, than it is to post a carefully curated temple visit?

For Tanya, the answer seems to be: just keep going. “I read all your comments,” she says at the end of her videos. “Whether you like what I do or not, I see it all. And I’ll keep being myself.”

The Road Ahead

As the dust settles, Tanya Mittal’s story is a reminder of the contradictions at the heart of internet fame. She is both loved and loathed, celebrated and scorned, a symbol of both tradition and change. Her journey from sanskari influencer to “pick-me” lightning rod is less a fall from grace than a reflection of the impossible standards placed on young women today.

In the end, perhaps the lesson is not about Tanya at all, but about us—the viewers, the critics, the fans. In a world obsessed with authenticity, maybe it’s time we learned to accept a little artifice, a little play, and a little messiness. After all, behind every viral video is a real person, just trying to find her place in the spotlight.