Bhojpuri cinema, one of India's most popular regional film industries, has been embroiled in numerous controversies over the years. From private MMS leaks and rape accusations to domestic abuse allegations and secret marriage claims, the industry has witnessed it all. Here is a detailed look at some of the biggest controversies that have shaken Bhojpuri cinema.
Trisha Kar Madhu's Private MMS Leak
In August 2021, a private MMS video of Trisha Kar Madhu in a compromising position with her boyfriend was leaked online, triggering massive backlash and trolling. Madhu claimed that the video was secretly recorded by a roommate early in her career and leaked as an act of industry sabotage after she refused demands. This led to ongoing legal battles. She publicly condemned the leak, urged fans to delete the video, and highlighted the poor treatment of women in Bhojpuri cinema.
Akshara Singh Accuses Pawan Singh of Abuse
Pawan Singh and Akshara Singh were rumored to be in a romantic relationship after Pawan's first wife's suicide in 2014. The relationship ended bitterly around 2018-19. Akshara accused Pawan of physical abuse, threats to kill her if she left, forcing her to sign a 'contractual relationship' agreement, and circulating her obscene photos and videos online after she tried to end the relationship. In 2019, she filed an FIR against Pawan for defamation, threats, and sharing vulgar content. She alleged that he beat her multiple times, nearly causing her death, and demanded she touch his feet before stage performances. Pawan's second wife, Jyoti, later claimed Akshara was three months pregnant by him. Pawan denied deep involvement, stating he never said 'I love you' to anyone. In 2026, Akshara slammed double standards, noting that Pawan dates multiple women without scrutiny while she is constantly questioned about their past.
Pawan Singh's Second Wife Jyoti Accuses Him of Torture
Pawan Singh married Jyoti Singh in 2018 after his first wife's suicide, but their union turned turbulent, leading to divorce filings around 2022. The couple's public feud escalated in 2025, with ongoing cases in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh courts involving maintenance and alimony disputes. Jyoti accused Pawan of giving her abortion pills twice, physical and mental torture, neglect, and infidelity. She claimed she took 25 sleeping pills in distress, demanded Rs 30 crore alimony, and alleged she was never treated as a proper wife. In October 2025, she visited his home amid Bihar elections, leading to a dramatic live confrontation where police intervened.
Priyansu Singh Accuses Puneet Singh Rajput of Rape
In 2023, Bhojpuri actress Priyansu Singh accused her co-star Puneet Singh Rajput of rape and sexual abuse on the pretext of marriage. She filed an FIR in Mumbai under IPC sections 376 and 377, claiming he got drunk, forced physical relations twice, pulled her hair, and forced unnatural acts after gaining her trust via social media and industry contacts. Priyansu met Puneet in September 2021; he initially seemed polite, promised marriage, and used her connections for Bhojpuri music video work. She alleged the first assault happened when she was alone at home; he apologized but repeated it, leading her to police action on August 1, 2023. Mumbai's Vanrai police registered the case, and Puneet was taken into custody for investigation. No major updates post-2023 appear in available records.
Akanksha Dubey Found Dead in Hotel Room
Bhojpuri actress Akanksha Dubey was found dead in a Varanasi hotel room on March 26, 2023, in what police initially termed a suicide by hanging. Her mother, Madhu Dubey, accused singer Samar Singh, Akanksha's live-in partner and frequent collaborator, and his brother Sanjay Singh of abetment to suicide, physical torture, unpaid dues for over three years of work, and threats to kill her if she took other projects. Madhu alleged that Samar beat Akanksha regularly, isolated her professionally, and that the death scene indicated murder, not suicide. Police filed an FIR under IPC Sections 306 and 506; Samar was arrested in Ghaziabad on April 7, 2023, grilled on finances and relationship, then released by November 2023. As of May 2026, the Allahabad High Court issued notices to both brothers on Madhu's CBI probe petition challenging the suicide narrative.
Pawan Singh Faces Backlash for Non-Consensual Behaviour
Pawan Singh faced backlash in August 2025 after a viral video from a Lucknow promotional event for their song 'Saiya Seva Kare' showed him repeatedly touching co-star Anjali Raghav's waist, making her visibly uncomfortable. Anjali, a Haryanvi actress, publicly condemned the non-consensual act, faced trolling for smiling on stage, and announced quitting Bhojpuri cinema due to the trauma. She explained in Instagram videos that she felt disturbed by DMs blaming her silence, stressed consent boundaries, and noted such behavior would not be tolerated in Haryana. Despite initially accepting Pawan's apology, she later accused his PR team of dirty tactics and image damage. The Haryana Women's Commission summoned Pawan in March 2026 over her complaint.
Woman Claims to Be Ravi Kishan's Secret Wife
In April 2024, Mumbai resident Aparna Thakur held a press conference in Lucknow claiming she secretly married Bhojpuri actor-politician Ravi Kishan in 1996 and that he fathered their daughter Shinova, whom he refused to acknowledge. She sought her daughter's rights and appealed to UP CM Yogi Adityanath. Ravi's wife, Preeti Shukla, filed an FIR against Aparna and others for conspiracy and extortion. Shinova released a video seeking time to prove claims; Aparna later withdrew a Bombay HC plea. Ravi remained silent amid his Gorakhpur MP campaign, calling it a distraction. No major updates post-2024 appear in available records, with cases reportedly ongoing.
