A 1:52-minute-long-video showing a woman practising sword fight has gone viral on social media platforms, with users identifying her to be the newly elected Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta.
Multiple X and Facebook users, including verified profiles, shared the video claiming it to be “Old video of RSS worker Rekha Gupta, now Delhi CM.” Newschecker, however, found the claims to be untrue.
Such posts can be seen here, here, here and here.
Also Read: Fake Indian Express Report On Neha Kakkar Promoting Investment Platform Goes Viral
Gupta, a first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, was sworn in as the fourth female Delhi CM on Thursday (February 20). Known to be an active RSS member, she started her political journey with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the RSS student wing, and was president of the Delhi University Students Association in 1996. Gupta has completed three terms as a councillor in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
Fact Check/Verification
On comparing the woman featured in the viral video with a photograph of the newly elected Delhi CM, we found no resemblance and could conclude that they were different individuals.
We then looked up the keyframes of the viral clip on Google Lens, and were directed to an Instagram Post by actor Payal Jadhav, dated February 19, 2025. Featuring the same video, it stated,”… Salute to the great achievements of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This is my small attempt by taking inspiration from the great King… (translated from Marathi)”
It also listed names of people associated with the video including a Martial Arts trainer, and a cinematographer.
The account also featured a similar video of the woman practising martial arts. Another post from January 2023 showed Jadhav in a similar attire as seen in the viral clip.
Newschecker reached out to Jadhav who further confirmed that the viral video actually features her, adding that she posted the same on the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti.
Jadhav is known for her work in movies such as ‘Baaplyok ‘, ‘Three of Us’ and the 2024 web series ‘Manvat Murders’ among others. She holds a Masters in Bharatanatyam from Lalit Kala Kendra.
Conclusion
Hence, a video featuring actress Payal Jadhav has been falsely shared to show the newly elected Delhi CM, Rekha Gupta practising sword fight.
Source
Instagram Post By @i_mpayal, Dated February 19, 2025
Conversation With Payal Jadhav On February 21, 2025
(With inputs from Prasad Prabhu of Newschecker Marathi.)
