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Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka regularly visit Premanand Maharaj's ashram (Img: X)
New Delhi: Former India captain Virat Kohli has strongly rejected claims that he was paid Rs 5 crore to visit spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj’s ashram in Vrindavan, calling the allegation “completely false, baseless and factually incorrect”.
The clarification from Kohli’s spokesperson comes after a claim made by Dinesh Sharma, popularly known as Falahari Maharaj, triggered speculation on social media about Kohli’s association with the spiritual leader. No publicly available evidence has emerged to establish that Kohli received such a payment.
Kohli’s spokesperson issued a categorical denial, making it clear that the cricketer’s visits to Premanand Maharaj are motivated by personal faith rather than any commercial arrangement.
“Mr. Virat Kohli visits Premanand Maharaj Ji purely out of his deep faith and reverence for Maharaj Ji,” the spokesperson said, while urging media organisations to verify allegations before reporting or amplifying them.
The statement directly challenges the Rs 5 crore claim, which has circulated widely online in recent days.
Falahari Maharaj, president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas, had alleged that a Rajasthan-based private company and a property builder lobby spent Rs 5 crore to facilitate Kohli’s first visit to Premanand Maharaj’s ashram.
The allegation suggested that the move was aimed at increasing the spiritual leader’s popularity and reach. However, the claim has not been independently established, and no publicly available payment record or other documentary evidence has been found to confirm that Kohli received the alleged amount.
Kohli and his wife, actor Anushka Sharma, have been visiting Premanand Maharaj’s ashram for several years. Their first widely reported visit took place on January 4, 2023, and the couple have returned to Vrindavan multiple times since then.
Their association has continued through major phases of Kohli’s cricket career, including after his retirement from Test and T20I cricket.
The couple’s repeated visits have often attracted public attention, but Kohli’s latest statement makes his position clear: his connection with Premanand Maharaj, according to his team, is rooted in faith and reverence.
The Rs 5 crore allegation surfaced amid a separate controversy surrounding Premanand Maharaj’s Radha Keli Kunj Ashram following the death of disciple Rasik Dulari.
Mathura Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the September 25 death, including the deceased’s recent activities and digital communications. Police have reportedly recorded statements from 85 people as part of the investigation.
Kohli’s spokesperson has urged the media to exercise due diligence and verify claims before publishing them, putting the focus back on evidence rather than social media speculation.
