Telugu actress Kalpika Ganesh found herself at the center of an online storm after sharing a video of a confrontation with the staff of Odeum by Prism, a popular pub in Hyderabad. The incident, which took place on her birthday, has sparked divided opinions, with many netizens accusing her of being entitled for allegedly demanding a free dessert.
Birthday Turns Bitter
Kalpika took to Instagram to post a video showing a tense exchange between her and the pub’s staff. What was meant to be a birthday celebration turned sour when a disagreement escalated into a public spat. The actress is seen arguing with the management, at one point declaring, “Sabka izzat nikalke rakhungi” (I will strip everyone of their respect), while staff members ask her to settle the bill and not ruin her evening.
Online viewers quickly jumped in, with many mocking Kalpika for apparently demanding a complimentary cake. Critics questioned her intentions, especially since she made only a short clip available on her public profile, while the longer footage was paywalled for subscribers.
Kalpika’s Allegations
In her Instagram stories, Kalpika shared her version of events. According to the actress, she visited the pub with a physically disabled friend and was met with mockery and verbal abuse from the staff after requesting what she called a “common birthday courtesy.” She alleges the staff “threw a brownie on the table like trash” and claims she was confined in the premises for half an hour while being insulted by about 20 people.
Kalpika also accused the police of mishandling the situation. She stated that after she called the Gachibowli police for help, they treated her like a “criminal” and took the side of the pub’s management. The actress insists that the issue was not about the cake but about the humiliation and lack of respect she allegedly faced.
More Claims and a Police Case
TV channel RTV reports having access to a 40-minute version of the altercation, which is also reportedly available to her Instagram subscribers. The channel claims the pub staff used offensive language and even objectified Kalpika, allegedly calling her a “druggist.” The argument reportedly began when Kalpika asked for a complimentary brownie, prompting the staff to comment on her attire and question why she was at a pub at midnight. She allegedly refused to pay the bill until she received an apology.
A case has been filed and police are investigating the matter.
Public Reaction: Sympathy or Stunt?
Public sentiment has largely skewed against the actress, with many accusing her of using the incident for attention. One commenter wrote, “If a missing free cake ruined your birthday, maybe the problem isn’t the pub—it’s that nobody brought you one.” Others criticized her decision to monetize the longer video, implying it undermines the authenticity of her claims.
Some users highlighted the boundaries of customer expectations, arguing that hospitality businesses are not obligated to provide free services unless stated. “Pay your bill and leave—it’s common sense,” one user remarked.
Kalpika’s Work and Public Image
Kalpika Ganesh has appeared in notable films like Yashoda, 8 AM Metro, and Atharva. This recent controversy, however, seems to have overshadowed her professional achievements, at least for now.
Whether Kalpika was truly mistreated or overstepped in her expectations is still under investigation. But for now, the drama continues both online and offscreen.
