A short clip from a small podcast turned into a big controversy this week, dragging Telugu superstar Allu Arjun into an online storm over claims that were later withdrawn.

The row began when brand strategist Kaveri Baruah said on the Sweekriti Talks podcast that she was once given a list of “42 dos and don’ts” before meeting the actor. 

The clip spread quickly on social media, with users criticising what they saw as celebrity arrogance.

But within days, the story collapsed.

On Monday, Kaveri issued a public apology on X, saying, “To be clear, no document containing ‘42 dos and don’ts’ was issued to me by Mr Allu Arjun or by anyone acting on his behalf.” 

She admitted her comments were “made in the flow of conversation” and were not based on any proof.

The podcast host, Sweekriti, also apologised on Instagram and confirmed the episode and viral reel had been deleted. 

She wrote, “There was no intention whatsoever to harm, provoke, defame, or make any imputation against any individual.”

She added that the remarks had been shared believing they were true, and were removed once Kaveri retracted them. “We are clarifying and correcting the record,” she said.

Allu Arjun’s team had earlier denied the claims and warned of legal action, calling them “completely baseless and untrue”. 

Several of the actor’s colleagues also spoke out in his defence.