By Anil Merani: Preetika Rao’s silence following Harshad Arora’s defamation threat and public rebuttal, as of April 19, 2025, is notable and open to interpretation, given the escalating controversy. Several factors and implications can be inferred from her lack of response, based on available information and context.
Strategic Retreat or Damage Control: Preetika’s team has claimed the derogatory comments, where she allegedly called Harshad a “womaniser” who “sleeps with every woman,” were not made by her but by someone managing her social media. This statement, reported by outlets like Bollywood Shaadis, suggests she may be distancing herself from the controversy to mitigate backlash. Her silence could indicate a deliberate choice to avoid further fueling the public spat, especially since her initial remarks were made in a now-deleted Instagram comment, hinting at an attempt to de-escalate.
Travel or Unavailability: Harshad mentioned in an interview with News18 that Preetika was reportedly traveling, which might explain her lack of direct clarification. This could imply logistical constraints preventing her from addressing the issue promptly, though it raises questions about why her team hasn’t issued a more definitive statement on her behalf.
Legal Caution: Harshad’s explicit threat to sue for defamation, as noted in Hindustan Times and Times Now, may have prompted Preetika to refrain from commenting further to avoid legal repercussions. His claim that he consulted a lawyer and could pursue a case might be intimidating, leading her to adopt a cautious stance while assessing her legal position.
Shift in Public Persona: Preetika has largely stepped away from acting, focusing on her spiritual podcast and YouTube channel, as mentioned by her team in ABP Live. Her silence could reflect a desire to maintain this new, low-profile image, avoiding the entertainment industry’s controversy-driven spotlight. Engaging further might contradict her current brand of spirituality and positivity.
Public Sentiment and Backlash: The controversy has divided fans, with some on X supporting Preetika’s right to speak out, while others, like user @NitinBaghla, call her remarks “false” and “shameful.” Her silence might stem from recognizing that any response could intensify criticism or alienate her audience, especially since the viral screenshots have already damaged her reputation for some.
Uncertainty or Internal Conflict: The claim from her team that a social media handler acted without her knowledge suggests possible mismanagement or internal miscommunication. Her silence could indicate she’s grappling with how to address this publicly without contradicting her team’s narrative or escalating tensions with Harshad, who dismissed the “handler” excuse as unconvincing.
What It Doesn’t Necessarily Mean: Preetika’s silence doesn’t inherently confirm Harshad’s narrative that her remarks were a publicity stunt, nor does it validate her initial accusations. It’s also not a definitive admission of guilt, as silence in such cases often reflects strategic or personal considerations rather than a clear stance.
Contextual Nuance: The controversy, rooted in a fan’s romantic edit of their Beintehaa scenes, has been amplified by social media, with X posts like @GossipsTv highlighting Harshad’s warning to sue. Preetika’s absence from the conversation, contrasted with Harshad’s vocal response across platforms like Etimes and India TV, creates an asymmetrical narrative where his perspective dominates. Her silence risks letting this narrative solidify, potentially framing her as the aggressor unless she provides clarity.
Speculative Implications: If Preetika continues to remain silent, it might suggest she’s prioritizing her personal brand over engaging in a public feud, but it could also weaken her credibility if fans perceive it as dodging accountability. Alternatively, a delayed response—perhaps through a carefully crafted statement—could shift the narrative, especially if she substantiates her claims or apologizes. Without her input, the controversy may fizzle out or persist as a one-sided story favoring Harshad. These potential outcomes highlight the significance of her silence and the need for her to carefully consider her next steps.
Pls check Tellyexpress or Justshowbiz for updates if he speaks out.. Her current reticence, though, leans toward avoiding further escalation, possibly at the cost of letting Harshad’s counter-narrative dominate public perception.