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Bollywood actress and Punjab Kings (PBKS) co-owner Preity Zinta has publicly condemned several news channels and digital outlets for circulating a morphed image that falsely depicts her hugging Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) 14-year-old cricket sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The doctored photo, which went viral on social media following the recent IPL 2025 match in Jaipur, has sparked a heated debate over media ethics and the dangers of misinformation in the digital age.
Morphed image of Preity Zinta hugging Vaibhav Suryavanshi goes viral
The controversy began after the Rajasthan Royals posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing Preity at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, where she greeted players including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shashank Singh and Vaibhav Suryavanshi. In the official footage, Preity can be seen sharing a brief handshake and exchange of words with the young cricketer, capturing a special fan moment for Suryavanshi. However, soon after, a manipulated image surfaced online, falsely showing Zinta embracing the teenager—a moment that never occurred in reality.
Preity Zinta hugging Vaibhav Suryavanshi pic.twitter.com/x3XKY8jf0A
— Crictips (@CrictipsIndia) May 19, 2025
Despite the clear evidence in the original video, the morphed photo rapidly gained traction across social media platforms. Shockingly, some regional and national news outlets picked up the image, presenting it as an authentic moment from the match. This led to widespread confusion and misinformation among fans and the general public.
Also READ: Preity Zinta’s reaction goes viral after Punjab Kings qualify for IPL 2025 playoffs
Preity Zinta’s strong response to the news channels
Outraged by the spread of the fake image, Preity took to her official social media accounts to set the record straight. Sharing screenshots of misleading news reports, she wrote:
“This is a morphed image and fake news. Am so surprised now news channels are also using morphed images and featuring them as news items!”
This is a morphed image and fake news. Am so surprised now news channels are also using morphed images and featuring them as news items !
— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) May 20, 2025
Preity further expressed her disappointment and shock at the lack of verification by media outlets, stating, “I am so shocked that people can stoop so low to spread lies. It’s disgusting how a simple gesture is being misrepresented. I expect better from media outlets.”
A review of the official video confirms that there was no hug between Preity and Suryavanshi. The interaction was limited to a polite handshake and a few words, as Preity greeted the young player after meeting others on the field. The viral image, therefore, is entirely fabricated and not part of any legitimate footage from the event.
Also READ: Apart from Punjab Kings, which IPL team is Preity Zinta’s favourite? Her witty reply delights fans
