widely known as Payal Gaming, is one of the most prominent female creators in the Indian gaming community. Based in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, she streams BGMI and other titles as part of S8UL Esports and has expanded into variety and lifestyle content. With around 4.5 million subscribers on her main YouTube channel, she has become a leading face in a space long dominated by male gamers.
What was the Payal Gaming deepfake MMS controversy?
In December 2025, an intimate video began circulating on platforms like X, Instagram, Telegram, and WhatsApp, with many users falsely claiming it featured . The clip quickly turned into a major online controversy, prompting debates about whether it was real and exposing her to trolling, harassment, and invasive speculation.
Why was the Payal Gaming MMS video proven fake?
After filed a complaint, the Maharashtra State Cyber Department and the Office of the Additional Director General of Police ordered a forensic analysis of the viral clip. Experts concluded that the video had been digitally manipulated using AI-based deepfake technology and did not show Payal at all. Maharashtra Cyber subsequently traced and arrested the creator of the deepfake and issued warnings to others who had shared it.
What did Payal say on Lock Upp?
On Netflix’s reality show Lock Upp, hosted by Riteish Deshmukh and Farah Khan, opened up about the emotional trauma the incident caused. She said, “People are so sensitive now. Koi ek word bhi aapke against ja sakta hai… They mocked my image; they made a deepfake video of me,” describing how shocked she was that people could “fall so low” when they see someone growing.
How did fans and fact-checkers react?
Community members and fact-checkers pointed out obvious visual inconsistencies in the clip compared to Payal’s real appearance, identifying classic deepfake indicators. Many urged others not to share the video, not to click suspicious links, and to respect creators’ privacy.
What is Payal Dhare’s net worth?
Various reports estimate net worth to be between Rs 1 crore and Rs 10 crore, driven by YouTube revenue, brand deals, and other ventures. Beyond income, she is recognised as one of India’s top female gaming influencers, known for her entertaining streams, collaborations, and resilience in the face of online abuse.
How does this highlight online responsibility?
The deepfake case and similar viral incidents such as the “19‑minute video” controversy involving other creators underline how easily AI-generated content can damage reputations when shared without verification. Authorities and experts continue to stress that users must think critically, check facts, and avoid circulating harmful, unverified material online.