Actor and reality TV star Uorfi Javed has strongly denied viral claims that she converted from Islam to Hinduism and changed her name to “Rita Bhardwaj.” The actress took to social media to call out what she described as “fake news” and criticized a former DD News journalist for spreading misinformation about her.
The controversy began after Meeta Chowdry, who identifies herself on Instagram as a former DD News journalist, shared a video making several claims about Uorfi. In the video, Meeta alleged that Uorfi had become famous only for wearing “half-naked” clothes and further claimed that the actress had changed her name to Rita Bhardwaj after converting to Hinduism.
Meeta also urged Uorfi to adopt more modesty, saying that along with changing her religion, she should also embrace “laaj-lajja” (shame and modesty).
The claims did not sit well with Uorfi, who responded sharply through a series of Instagram Stories. Sharing a screenshot of the now-deleted video, she dismissed the allegations and clarified that she has never changed either her name or her religion.
“How can people like this call themselves journalists?” Uorfi wrote. She added that the content creator should have verified the facts before making such claims. According to Uorfi, she has never changed her name and does not identify with any religion.
The actress also took exception to comments about her career and clothing. She pointed out that she has worked in several television shows and reality series and said it was unfair to reduce her identity to her fashion choices.
In another Instagram Story, Uorfi said that while people are free to criticize her work or style, they should not spread false information.
She further wrote that if someone wants to criticize her, they are welcome to do so, but making up stories about her personal life and religious identity crosses a line.
The controversy escalated when Uorfi claimed that after she publicly called out Meeta Chowdry, she received a series of “triggering” private messages from her. According to Uorfi, the messages were so disturbing that she chose not to post them online.
She alleged that after sending the messages, Meeta deleted her original video and blocked her on social media.
Uorfi also took a sarcastic dig at the content creator, saying that she appeared overly obsessed with cosmetic surgery and made personal remarks while responding to the criticism.
Despite her sharp response, Uorfi maintained that the central issue was the spread of false information. She reiterated that she had neither changed her religion nor adopted a new name and urged people to verify facts before sharing such claims.
The actress has built a successful career in the entertainment industry through television, reality shows and digital content. She has appeared in popular shows including Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2. In 2025, she won The Traitors India and later hosted the reality show Engaged: Roka Ya Dhoka, further establishing herself as a prominent television personality.
As of now, Meeta Chowdry has not publicly responded to Uorfi Javed’s allegations regarding the private messages or issued any clarification following the deletion of her video. The controversy continues to generate discussion online, with many social media users supporting Uorfi’s demand that public figures and journalists verify information before making serious claims.
