Did Uorfi Javed Convert To Hinduism And Become Rita Bhardwaj? Actress Finally Sets The Record Straight

Uorfi Javed has pushed back against claims that she changed her religion and adopted a new name, after a video by content creator Meeta Chowdry circulated on Instagram. The actor and reality show personality said the claims were false, adding that she had neither converted from Islam to Hinduism nor changed her name.

The exchange began after Chowdry, whose Instagram bio mentions a past association with DD News, posted a video criticising Uorfi’s public image and clothing choices. In the video, she claimed Uorfi was “famous for nothing” except wearing “aadhe nange” clothes and further alleged that the actor had changed her name to Rita Bhardwaj after converting to Hinduism.

Uorfi Javed denies conversion and name-change claims

Uorfi responded through Instagram Stories, sharing the now-deleted video and calling out what she described as misinformation. She wrote, “Kaise Kaise chomu log apne aap ko journalist bolte hai! Aunty please thoda homework kar Lijiye, i never changed my name or religion also. I don't believe in any religion.”

Her response directly addressed the two central claims made in the video: that she had changed her name and converted to another religion. Uorfi also objected to the tone of the video, which commented on her clothes and suggested she should adopt “laaj lajja”, meaning modesty or shame.

In another Story, Uorfi wrote that criticism of her fashion was not new to her, but spreading false information was different. “Also I'm not just nangi with my clothes I'm also nangi with my words but aaj mood nahi hai,” she wrote, adding that anyone criticising her should at least check her body of work before making claims about her career.

She also appeared to take aim at Chowdry’s credentials as a journalist. Uorfi wrote, “Ek bar google Karlo how many shows I have to my names,” while saying she was ashamed of the former journalist’s “journalism”. She added that people were free to criticise her, but should not “spread fake news”.

Actor says she received 'triggering’ messages

After her initial response, Uorfi shared screenshots of messages she said she had received from Chowdry. She claimed the messages were “extremely triggering” and said she could not upload all of them. Uorfi also alleged that Chowdry later deleted the video and blocked her.

In one of her Stories, Uorfi wrote, “@meeta chowdhry aunty got so triggered! But still her facts are wrong, I haven't gotten fake boobs.” The actor’s post also included personal remarks aimed at Chowdry, reflecting the heated nature of the exchange between the two.

Uorfi further wrote that she could not be disrespectful to Chowdry because “she looks like my daada ji”. The comment came after she said the content creator had sent her messages that she found difficult to share publicly. Chowdry’s original video was no longer visible after the exchange.

The controversy again places Uorfi at the centre of a familiar online debate around celebrity clothing, moral policing and misinformation. Over the years, she has often been targeted for her experimental outfits, but she has also built a public persona around responding sharply to criticism.

Why Uorfi Javed’s response matters

The issue is not limited to personal criticism. Claims about a public figure’s religion, name or identity can spread quickly on social media, especially when presented in a confident tone by accounts claiming media experience. Uorfi’s response focused on this point, saying the information was factually wrong.

Religion and identity are sensitive subjects in India’s public conversation. For celebrities, such claims can quickly become amplified beyond entertainment spaces. Uorfi’s denial makes clear that, at least from her side, there has been no change in her name or religious identity as alleged in the video.

The episode also highlights how online commentary around women in entertainment often shifts from professional work to appearance and clothing. Uorfi has frequently faced criticism for her fashion choices, but she has also repeatedly maintained that her clothes are part of her self-expression and public identity.

Her career, meanwhile, is not limited to social media visibility. Uorfi has appeared in television shows including Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2. She also won The Traitors India in 2025 and hosted Engaged: Roka Ya Dhoka in the same year.

That professional background formed part of her rebuttal. By asking critics to check how many shows she has done, Uorfi pushed back against the claim that she has no claim to fame beyond her clothes. Her statement framed the video as both personal shaming and inaccurate commentary.

Uorfi has not indicated any legal action over the video or messages. For now, her public response has served as a direct denial of the conversion and name-change claims, while also calling attention to the risks of unverified social media commentary being presented as fact.