Mahesh Babu’s Daughter Issues Alert Over Online Fakes: ‘Please Stay Safe and Verify Accounts’
In a cautionary message shared on Tuesday, Sitara Ghattamaneni, the daughter of popular Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu and Namrata Shirodkar, alerted her followers about multiple fake profiles using her name and image on various social media platforms. The 12-year-old, who already enjoys a significant following on Instagram and YouTube, requested fans to stay vigilant and to follow only her official account to avoid being misled by these impersonators.
Sitara took to her verified Instagram handle to share a short note, stating, “It has come to my attention that there are some fake accounts pretending to be me on different platforms. Please be cautious and do not engage with or respond to any DMs or messages from such profiles. My only official account is @sitaraghattamaneni. Stay safe and thank you for your support.” The post quickly gained attention from her followers, who reacted with concern and urged others to spread the message. Her parents—Mahesh Babu and Namrata—also amplified the message on their respective profiles, ensuring it reached a larger section of their fanbase.
The warning came after several fan pages reported receiving suspicious direct messages from accounts claiming to be Sitara. Some users had even shared screenshots of these messages in which the impersonators asked for personal details and promoted dubious links. Upon receiving a surge of such complaints, Sitara’s management team decided to put out an official clarification and report the fraudulent profiles to the platform.
Sitara, despite her young age, has built a strong presence on social media, thanks to her appearances in her father’s behind-the-scenes videos and her own content collaborations. Last year, she featured in a promotional campaign for Mahesh Babu’s film “Sarkaru Vaari Paata,” which instantly boosted her visibility and follower count. Since then, she has often shared dance clips, travel videos, and charity-related content, making her one of the most popular celeb-kids on Indian social media.
Cybersecurity experts note that impersonation scams targeting celebrities and their children are becoming increasingly common. “Fraudsters often create fake accounts to gain followers and then attempt phishing attacks or direct-message users with malicious links,” said Ankit Sharma, a Hyderabad-based cybersecurity specialist. “It is important for social media users to check for verification badges and confirm the authenticity of any profile before interacting or sharing personal data.”
Following Sitara’s statement, a spokesperson from her team confirmed that they are in touch with the platform’s support team to remove all fraudulent accounts. “We have reported several fake profiles and have requested urgent action to take them down. We urge fans to follow only her verified handle and not to trust any other account claiming to represent her,” the spokesperson said.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by public figures and their families in the digital age. While celebrities often use social media to connect directly with fans, the same platforms are frequently misused by individuals to impersonate or spread misinformation. Many netizens expressed support for Sitara, emphasizing that younger social media users need to be protected against such online threats.
One user wrote, “Thank you for the clarification, Sitara. We will report and block all fake accounts.” Another fan commented, “People should stop misusing your name. Stay strong and stay safe.”
Mahesh Babu’s fans, known for being highly active and protective on social media, have already begun reporting suspicious pages. Several have also started using the hashtag #StaySafeSitara to increase awareness across platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.
Meanwhile, cybercrime authorities in Telangana have repeatedly advised users to report suspicious accounts immediately and not to share private information online. In similar cases in the past, police have taken action against individuals who created fake social media profiles of public personalities for fraudulent purposes.
As the online space becomes increasingly difficult to regulate, experts advise users to adopt a few simple cautionary steps—such as verifying blue ticks, avoiding unfamiliar links, not responding to unsolicited messages, and reporting suspicious activity to both the platform and relevant authorities.
Sitara concluded her message with a positive note, thanking her followers for their constant encouragement and love. “Your support means everything to me. I don’t want anyone to be misled or fall into any kind of trouble. Let’s keep this space safe and happy for everyone.”
For now, fans have rallied around her message, spreading it widely and urging others to stay mindful while interacting online.
Also Read: Dhanashree Verma Roasts Chahal’s ‘Sugar Daddy’ Tee!
A tech-driven content strategist with 6+ years of experience in crafting high-impact digital content. Passionate about technology since childhood and always eager to learn, focused on turning complex ideas into clear, valuable content that educates and inspires.